THE “DRAWINGS AND DESCRIPTIONS”
Motives for inventing submarine Navigation and attack,
Statement of the causes which brought me to England, reflections
on the prospect of emolument held out to me by Lord Hawkesbury,
and again under the Contract with Mr. Pitt and Lord Melville,
Statement of the Sums received and disbursed by me.
ROBERT FULTON
Motive for inventing Submarine Navigation and attack.
Having contemplated the Federal government of the united States; the
Vast country comprised in them which gives room for 120 Millions of
inhabitents; Seeing the rapid increase of their population and
consequently of their industry and commerce; A people without colonies
and who did not desire to have any; Without Enemies on their frontiers,
and having nothing to contend for but a rational intercourse with
foreign nations by sea; which intercourse would be interrupted on every
war which might take place between England and France or between
European nations; and cause Vexatious feuds and parties in America,
which might lead to marine and army establishments, to alliences
offensive and defensive with European states, thereby direct the
ambition of individuals to Military fame and the people to warlike
pursuits; and all their complication of evils; which might finally
divide the states, and destroy a system which should progress _as near
as man is capable_, to the perfection of civilization.
[Illustration:
MANUSCRIPT PAGES WITH FULTON’S SIGNATURE
]
I was to prevent the possibility of all such consequences; by destroying
the principles which lead to them; that induced me at first to
contemplate a plan which might destroy all Military marines and give
liberty to the seas; But I did not hope to neutralize military marines
by a confederation of maritime states; Henry the Fourt of France, and
the Abbey St. Pierre with all their influence endavoured in vain to
preserve peace in Europe by a confederation of States and a congress [of
st] to decide on grievances;
I therefore looked to the arts for effecient means; and after some
months study found that only two things were wanting: First to navigate
under water, which I soon discovered was within the limits of physics,
Second to find an easy mode of destroying a ship; which after a little
time I discovered might be done by the explosion of some pounds of
powder under her bottom; Being convinced of the practicability of two
such engines, I commenced drawings on their combinations; and
calculations on their power and effects; which occupied me near nine
months. I then began my experiments first on a small and then on a large
scale; and in two years was so wellsatisfied with my success and that
everything which I had contemplated might be performed; that I wrote to
the Earl of Stanhope and gave him general Ideas of my plan and
experiments; His Lordships mathematical mind soon opened to him the
practicability and ultimate consequences of such a System; he felt
alarmed and as we all know spoke of it in the house of Lords; which
excited much public curiosity And Some ridicule; on the justice of which
Gentlemen will now have the opportunity of judging; however still
anxious on a subject which his talents gave him a facility to
understand; he took the trouble about the year 1803 to form a committe
of Gentlemen to consider the principles and powers of my inventions, and
get all possible information on the progress I had made, which committee
I believe made a report to the then Minister Lord Sydmouth; whose
attention was awakened to it; about this time May 1803 there was an
english Gentleman in London who had known me for some years in Paris;
Dr. Grigory became acquainted with him; had many conversations with him
on my plan and its consequences if carried into effect; the Dr.
Communicated what he had learned to Lord Sydmouth and it was agreed to
send the Gentleman to Paris to induce me to come to London; when he
communicated his mission to me, he said the British Government wished to
us my submarine Vessel against the French fleets; I replied that in this
there must be some mistake that it was neither the interest nor policy
of the British government to Introduce such a Vessel into practice; he
Said on consideration that might be true; but Ministers wished to be
fully acquainted with the properties of my inventions; and wished me out
of France and in England; that would I go over and explain to them my
engines I should be rewarded in proportion to their Value; I asked if he
had any written proof that such was their intention; he said no, that it
was too dangerous to carry letters on such a subject; but as a proof of
their liberality and the prospect which I had of being treated in like
manner; they had given him 800 £ to pay his expences and mine in
bringing me over; Knowing the Gentleman to be a man of Integrity; I
believed such might be the wish of Ministers, Yet I would not move
without some plan and written proof of their intention. I therefore
desired him to return with the following proposals and if Ministers
agreed to them I would come over,
First, For leaving France and the pursuits which at present occupy me,
and for going to England I [demand] require the sum of Ten thousand
Pounds;
Second, On my arrival in London Government shall within three weeks,
mane a committe to examin the following principles of submarine
Navigation and attack;
First Principle
That a Submarine Vessel 35 feet long, 10 feet wide, an 8 feet deep,
capable of containing 6 persons, shall have the property of sailing like
an ordinary fishing Boat;
Second
That her capacity including her machinery shall be sufficient to hold
provisions for Six persons to continue at Sea for twenty days;
Third
That Six persons can enter such a vessel & descend in her under water at
pleasure,
Fourth
That the Six men can continue under water three hours without renewing
the air,
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MANUSCRIPT PAGE OF “DRAWINGS & DESCRIPTIONS”
]
Fifth
That to renew the air, it is not necessary the Vessel should appear
above water; but approaching the Surface two tubes project, through one
of which the mephitic air is discharged, through the other fresh air is
drawn into the Vessel, which operation can be performed in 3 or 4
minuets, to continue again three hours under water; in this manner a
crew can conseal themselves under water during the day, on renewing the
air 4 times, hence might lie many days in the Neighbourhood of an enemy
unperceived,
Sixth
That the crew can raise her to the surface at pleasure hoist sail and
proceed on their [Voage] Voyage; as before descending;
Seventh
That where the water is not more than Sixty fathoms deep, and the
current not more than four miles an hour, she can cast anchor and
continue under water at any depth from _one_ to fifty feet; that she
will there remain as stationary as Vessels usually are while anchored on
the surface;
Eighth
That in open Sea where bottom is not saught, she can plunge with safety
and continue Under water while the air is respirable; but in this case
she must drift with the tide like a vessel which cannot anchor and has
no wind,
Ninth
That in Still water and while under water, she can move forwards, or
backwards, to the right or left, mount or descend at pleasure;
Tenth
That She is capable of carrying 30 Submarine bombs each containing 100
pounds of powder
The preciding properties are all which are necessary, to a plunging
Vessel, such a vessel cannot be taken in consequence of the ease with
which she can hide under water during the day, she can make her
approaches [in the night] in the night and must be considered as a
masked [battery] Magazine which can lie secure in the neighbourhood of
an Enemy watch an opportunity to deposit her cargo of Bombs and retire
unperceived.
Should the committee find the properties here specified within the laws
of physics, and by the ordinary course of improvement reducable to
simple practice, the investigation will there finish; but should it so
happen that I cannot make the committee feel these truths without
Occular demonstration, I reserve to myself the power of building a
submarine Vessel, for which the Government shall allow a sum not
exceeding ten thousand pounds; to be paid progressively as I may think
proper to call for it to proceed with the work,
Of the Submarine Bombs,
That a copper case containing from one hundred to three hundred pounds
of powder, coming into contact with the bottom of a Ship of any size and
explosion there taking place will completely destroy her; that the
machinery attached to such Bomb is so contrived [to] as to cause
explosion when the bomb strikes the Vessel, or when the Vessel strikes
the bomb; or at any time desired from 4 minuets to 13 hours or, 8 days;
If the Committee are not to be convinced of this without experiment and
will appropriate any kind of Vessel I will blow her up with a submarine
bomb to give demonstration;
When the properties of the Submarine Vessel and Bombs are demonstrated
and admitted by the committe, a new succession of Ideas will of course
result, it will be seen that England may draw advantages from these
inventions, or they may be turned to the total destruction of the
British marine; in either Case it is of importance to the British
Government to have the entire command of Such engines to do with them as
they may think proper;
But as these inventions are the produce of my labours for some years, I
now consider them as rich gems drawn from the mines of science and which
I and my friends have a right to convert to our own advantage and which
I now offer for sale to the British Government; For putting the
Government in full possession of all the combinations and movements of
the submarine Vessel; so that any Engineer of good talents can construct
one, and navigate her; also for explaining the combinations of the
submarine bomb, and the modes of attack which time and experience will
multiply and perfection; I [demand] require the sum of one hundred
thousand pounds Sterling—;
When the Gentleman departed with these proposals it was agreed that I
should go to Holland and wait his return, I did so, and staid at
Amsterdam three months; contrairy winds prevented his arrival; I
Abandoned the negotiation and returned to Paris where he arrived in a
few weeks with the following letter from Lord Hawkesbury Hawkesbury—
Sir:
Your proposals have been considered with that attention which the
merit of the invention deserves, you must well know that it would be
contrairy to Established rules to grant such sums as you require,
before your invention authenticated by actuel experiment in presence
of persons appointed by this Government, in order that a fair
opportunity may be granted of appreciating its merit and adiquacy to
the end proposed; The responsibility attached to his Majesty’s
Ministers in their official capacity renders it impossible for them to
advance the sums which you have required; in the form pointed out by
you; without exciting such public attention as must be equally
unpleasant to you and His Majestys Ministers; if however you have
sufficient confidence in His Majestys Government to offer them your
invention, you may rely on being treated _with the utmost liberality
and Generosity_. Though this Government and you, have every reason to
be satisfied with the zeal and activity with which your friend has
conducted the business, Yet a negotiation personally conducted would
smoothe many difficulties, and every facility and protection you can
desire shall be granted you,
And should you be disposed to accept Active employment from the
British government you may rely on the most liberal treatment,
proportioned to your efficient Service;—
* * * * *
This letter was brought in cipher; I Shortly after left Paris and
arrived in London on the 28 of April 1804, On My Arrival Lord Sydmouth
and Hawkesbury, were out of office and Mr. Pitt was minister To him I
proposed the terms before mentioned; But Mr. Pitt and Lord Melville
instead of arranging with me on the terms of my proposals; prefered
making an attack on the Enemy with part of my engines; and as a fair
prospect of emolument, at least equal if not superior to that which I
had expected; I was to recieve 200£ a month during the time Government
detained me on this business; and half the Value of all vessels of an
Enemy which might be destroyed by my engines in 14 years; His Majestys
Dockyard and arsenals were to furnish every necessary means to render my
plan, efficient; useful to the Nation and Consequently productive to me;
and on these principles a contract was entered into which is inserted in
the body of the arbitration Bond,
_Here read the Bond and contract_;
On drawing up this contract I foresaw that Ministers might discover the
bad policy of introducing the whole of my engines into practice; and
therefore would not organize it nor exersise men to it so as to render
it productive to me; and this has proved to be the fact; Government may
be said to have abandoned this plan And it will be seen during the
investigations that their true policy is to abandon it; if so, from
whence are my profits to arise, what is my interest in it with this
Governmt for 14 years, where is my emolument equivalent to the sum of
100 thousand pounds mentioned in the proposals? sent to Lord Hawkesbury.
Now Gentlemen I foresee before you enter into an examination of my
engines and their final consequences; that you must as true friends to
your country advise ministers [to] never to use them, but to conseal
them if possible from the world; it will then become a consideration
whether 40 thousand pounds is a reasonable equivalent to me and my
friends for abandoning engines of such importance to this government to
do with as they may think proper,—and for ever giving up the prospect of
gain which was held out to me on coming to this country; or which the
contract presented; had my plans been organized and carried into effect
on System; But your powers are confined within the limits of the
arbitration bonds; whatever may be your opinion you cannot exceed the
sum of 40 thousand pounds. But from your report as men of science and
calm delibiration; Ministers will be able to Judge of the reasonable,
hopes of the proprietors of these inventions and not only of justice
towards them, but of the real interest of the nation; in now finally
Setteling with me for the parties concerned;
[Illustration:
PLATE THE FIRST
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[Illustration:
PLATE THE SECOND
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No Man can in Justice Say that we have not a right to make every
possible profit of these inventions; And we have a right to accept Mony,
or to abandon mony for fame—or raise our demands in proportion as time
and new Idas develop the importance of these discoveries; But I have the
pleasure to say that the gentlemen with whom I act, have never troubled
me with one ungenerous or illiberal wish to raise their demands, they
conceived these inventions worth at least the Value of one first rate
man of war or 100 thousand pounds; and they have never deviated from
this first proposal—on my part I Saw that government could not grant any
sum with propriety, unless there was reasonable security given, that the
proprietors would never communicate the engines to any nation or persons
to the injury of the British marine; and there Is but one mode of giving
such security That is to bind these proprietors by their own interest to
keep the secret, I therefore Voluntarily offered that should I be
entitled to the 40 thousand pounds; to receive one moiety in cash, and
an annuity equal to the full value of the other moiety; which annuity is
to be forfeited Should I be the means of Introducing My inventions into
practice against the British marine; perhaps this is the Strongest proof
a man can give of his own sense of Justice and it Should be a convincing
proof of my confidence in my own power over the fate of my inventions,
and the good Opinion I have of the integrity of my friends; but whatever
may be done in this business in capital or annuity; the annuity must
depend on my life as their names cannot appear, having so far stated
facts gentlemen will deliberately consider the engines the modes of
using them their ultimate consequences, the Interest of the Nation, and
a reasonable compensation to the proprietors;
The first consideration will probably be the accounts, of which the
following is a statement,
Of the Accounts,
The sums of money received and expended by me are as follows
1804 July 19 of Mr. Hammond 200
1804 [April] August 11th of Do 1500
————
£ 1700
Article the Second of the contract states that 7000 £ shall be allowed
for Mechanical preperations, this was for the first experiment; but
after the attempt off Boulogne on the Second of October 1804 where Lord
Melville was present; he entertained such hopes from the engines, that
he and Mr. Pitt, _then at Walmer castle_, ordered more Locks and large
copper coffers to be made; and for this purpose a further sum of 3000 £
was about the month of November or December 1804 placed to my order in
the house of Missrs Davison and Co. At this time Ministers were so well
satisfied with the prospect of success from my engines, and feeling the
right which I had to a remuniration, for neglecting other pursuits and
coming to this country, and for the communication of my engines to them
that they granted me for my own use the Sum of Ten thousand pounds; it
will be seen by a letter from Mr. Davison to Mr. Hammond, that this sum
was also granted me to relieve me of some pecuniary embarrassments and
was considered by them as a reward for past services; not to be refunded
should nothing more be done or required, but to make part of any future
sum which might be awarded to me.
Again on the 9th of October 1805 about the time Sir Sidney Smith
took the command off Boulogne; Lord Castlereagh thought it right
to have more locks, Bombs, Boats, and preperations made; and for
this purpose Also to pay old accounts I received of Sir Sidney
Smith 4045£
Of Mr. Hammond first Sum 1700
Of Do Second Sum 7000
Of Do third Sum 3000
For my private Use 10000
——————
25745£
By an error in Mr. Cutlers accounts he has refunded 1,000 £ to the
treasurer of the navy, which leaves 24745 £ to be accounted for, of this
sum it will be seen by the bills and receipts which were submitted to
the commissioners of the Navy and
£ S P
passed by them that 11353.. 3.. 2 has been expended for
government uses And 13391.. 16.. 10 to my own use
First a remuniration 10,000
Second my salary from the 20th of July 1804 to the 20th 5,000
of August 1806 or 25 months at 200 £ a month
———
£ 15,000
[Illustration:
PLATE THE THIRD
]
[Illustration:
PLATE THE FOURTH
]
As my right to the Salary cannot as I conceive be questioned for I have
continued in this Country to get the decision of ministers; and Should
the 10 thousand pounds remuniration be admitted Government will owe me
on this Account 1,608.. 3.. 2, such are the sums received by me and the
Gross of their distribution the accounts will explain the details.
ROBERT FULTON
London august 10th 1806
Description of the drawings of the Submarine Vessel, submarine bombs,
and mode of Attack
* * * * *
_Plate the First half an inch to a foot_,
The incompressible part of this vessel in which the men are when she
descends under water, is composed of cast brass cylenders 6 feet
diameter and 6 feet long about one inch thick; which will be of a
strength to resist the pressure of more than one hundred perpendicular
feet of water; Three or more of such cylenders may be screwed together
at the flanges to make a length of 18 or 24 feet; the ends forming a
part of a sphere to resist the pressure of the water in all directions;
The dome where the Men enter may be three feet diameter three feet high;
with a smaller dome on the lid through which observations may be made
when raised a foot above the water:
The cylender and dome is placed in the body of an ordinary shaped
vessel; and the water chambers for sinking will be round the cylender as
seen in plate the second;
In this place it will only be necessary to mention the different parts
which compose a submarine Vessel, any person acquainted with mechanics
can trace their movements and uses,
_A_ The bow anchor,
_B_ The plunging flyers communicating by two angle wheels to the
insides;
_C_ The bow cable, its windlass Slides backwards and forwards on a
square axis and lays the cable in regular coils;
_D_ A small safety pump to drive the water out of the balancing chest
_G_; suppose this pump one inch diameter, a column of water one inch
diameter and 300 feet high would weigh about 150 pounds; hence one Man
with a lever of three to one; could work such a pump under a pressure
of 300 feet and rendering the Vessel lighter than her volume of water,
could mount from that or even a greater depth to the surface;
_E_ and _F_ a pipe and cock to let the water into the balancing chest
_G_;
_G_ The balancing chest of a capacity to receive from three to five
hundred weight of water, when the outer chambers are full, the Vessel
being still from three to five hundred pounds lighter than water;
Water is then let into the balancing chest correctly to such a weight
that the flyers or plunging anchor can hold her under water;
_H_ A air pipe to let out the Mephitic air; there is a similar one
which extends to the stern, and enters a Ventilator _Q_ by which means
the air may be renewed in the Vessel;
_I_ A movement to work the rudder while under water; on going to
plunge the man who steers must take the helm off, this should always
be his first act least he should forget it,
_K_ The windlass of the plunging anchor sliding like that at the bow;
_J_ The crank of the stern flyers; of the pumps, and of the plunging
anchor; all these movements to be performed at pleasure by sliding the
little wheels _N_ and _O_ in & our of gear;
_P_ A screw movement to hoist the stern flyers out of gear; and out of
water when the vessel is under sail,
_M_ The pumps to force the water out at the pipe _R_.
The mast descends the sail boom and mast are tied together and made fast
to the deck before the operation of plunging commences.
_Plate the Second one inch to a foot_,
This exhibits a transeverse section _A_ the Valve to let in the the
water which rises up to the deck _B.B_ from which to the upper deck all
round the Vessel are chambers to hold submarine bombs; which are placed
in the chambers through trap doors on deck; and which bombs being the
weight of water will in plunging displace their volume of water; and not
add to or deminish the weight of the Vessel; this is the best mode of
arranging the bombs for were they inside they would be embarrassing and
each one when taken out would require to be replaced with its weight of
water—
[Illustration:
PLATE THE FIFTH
]
[Illustration:
PLATE THE SIXTH
]
_F_ The pipe to give air,
_G_ The pipe to discharge the Mephitic air,
_H.H_ Two air pipes to let the air out of the water chambers; they
mount to the highest part of the Vessel to let the air in when the
water is discharging; there should be at least four of these pipes;
two in the bow and two in the stern; they may be lead from the stem
along side and unite at _I.I_ there the two mounting pipes _H.H_ will
be suffecient, care must be taken that the air can pass off with ease
from all parts of the water chambers, or they cannot fill, nor can the
vessel be got under water,
_C_ The balancing chamber.
_D_ The safety pump
_E_ The discharging pipe
_J_ Is a valve to let the water go from the centre chamber to the two
ends, but not return, by this means water may be drawn from either end
to balance the Vessel horizontal there are four such Valves,
All the communications with the exterior have cocks as will be seen in
plate the third,
_Plate the Third one inch to a foot_,
Figure the first shews a section of the double forcing pumps _A_ and
_B_ too cocks to draw the water from the right and left water
chambers.
Figure the second a side View of the pumps _A_ the pump _B_ the valve
which lets the water pass into the body of the pump _C_ the valve
which discharges the water by the cock and pipe _D_ by shutting all
the cocks and screwing off the top plates which cover the Valves they
may be cleaned and put in order though the vessel were under water,
Near the pump the plunging anchor _F_ has a cock to stop the water in
case the cable should break. _E_ is a screw on which the anchor cap
rests while the anchor is up and thus its weight is taken off the
cable,
Figures the 3d and 4 represent a side and end view of the Cable
windlass and the mode of sliding on its axis,
Figure the 5th Shews the whole communications of the pump tubes the
great water chamber being divided into three parts, it is necessary to
drive water out from the middle or either end at pleasure _A A_ the
pump seats, _B.B.B.B_ the four valve chambers, _C_ the discharging
tube through the bottom, _D_ a tube to draw water from the Balancing
chest _E.E_ to draw water from the right and left middle chambers only
one of these are necessary as the water communicates by the Kelson to
both sides
_F_ To draw water from the bow chambers,
_G_ To draw water from the stern chambers,
_H_ The seat of the plunging Anchor,
_Plate the 4th_
Figure the first drawn by a scale of one quarter of an inch to a foot,
Shews the incompressible part laid down in the body of a boat, _A_ and
_B_ the divisions which form the length of the vessel into three water
chambers, with the valve to let the water from the middle chamber to the
two ends; but not return; _C_ is a passage for the water from one side
to the other. The other figures are of the real size, shewing the modes
of constructing the air pipes with cork valves to let in the air and
keep out the water;
_Plate the 5th real Size_
Figure the first shews the mode of placing the conic glass windows with
the stop cocks in case of accidents; Figure the second the lid and cap
of the dome; A head taking an observation through a window; this mode of
making a window conic renders it as strong as the surrounding brass, _as
relates to the pressure of the water_, a stroke only can break them;
Figure the third is a Bathomater, to shew the depth under water.
_Plate the 6_
This is an addition to the dome more curious than useful; it is a mode
of sending up a note and bringing down an answer while the Vessel is
under water, Figure the first _A_ is a cock with the cavity _B_ in which
there is a small reel; _C_ the handle of which runs to _D_.... _E_ is a
piece of Cork, the note is to be written on a piece of parchment, tied
round the cork or put into it, the cock is them turned by the handle _F_
to face the opening _G_; the reel is then turned off and the cork mounts
to the surface attached to a small silk line, when the answer is fixed
to the cork the man below wind it down into the cock which being turned
towards the inside of the Vessel the answer may be taken out.
[Illustration:
PLATE THE SEVENTH
]
Figure the second is an end View.
Figure the Third shews a man operating & the cork mounting, this may
be useful in making experiments;
_Plate the Seventh one quarter of an inch to a foot_
This shews the submarine vessel under sail and at anchor under water
with her plunging anchor out,
These seven drawings with this discription will enable any able
mechanician to construct and perform the experiments of a submarine
Vessel; It is not intended that she should go under or near the vessels
which are to be attacked, her use is to enable the weaker maritime
nations to attack the stronger without being detected or interrupted in
their operations, hence She is contrived to hide under water when
pursued, where she may continue the whole day and approach the fleets
and harbours of the enemy in the night, there anchor her cargo of
submarine bombs under water, or leave them to the tide, or use them in
any other way which time and practice may point out; and retire
unperceived for another cargo and deposit them in like manner on the
coast, in the mouths of rivers in harbours or among fleets at anchor,
and thus place Such numbers as would render it impossible for any Vessel
to move through them without the imminent danger of being blown up and
totally annihilated;
Of the submarine Bombs and modes of Using them.
* * * * *
As Government are in possession of the real locks and Bombs with the
modes of arranging them for action it will not be necessary to make
detailed drawings of the several parts.
_Plate the 8th_
Shews a bomb arranged with an instantanious lock, and anchored from ten
to twenty feet under water, for this purpose when the bomb is arranged
with its lock it should be ten or fifteen pounds lighter than its volume
water, it will then have a tendancy to mount to the surface but must be
held down by an anchor or weight of 20 or more pounds; as the depth of
water in all channels, bays and Harbours is known, the line _D_ should
before setting out be of such a length as will hold the Bomb from 5 to
ten feet under water at low water, it will then be that number of feet
added to the rise of the tide at high water,
At Slack water it will stand in the position _B_ perpendicular from the
anchor at half ebb or flood when the current is strong it will be
inclined to _A_ or _C_ where the action of the water on a flat board
which is fixed to its bottom at _E_ will keep it in the position here
deleniated. On the 5th of June in this year this experiment was made by
my desire by Lieutenant Wm Robinson In Dover roads; and the result was
as here described—A vessel under sail and striking on the Trigger _F_ of
such a Bomb would be instantly blown up, as will be seen in plate the
Ninth,
_Plate the Ninth_
In this drawing _A_ represents the Brig Dorothea as she blew up near
walmer Castle on the 16th of October 1805, the bomb made use of on this
occasion had a clockwork lock set to 15 Minuets; the bomb contained 180
pounds of powder; and was coupled by a line of 70 feet in length; to a
bomb which was filled with peas and which served as a counterbalance; As
the boat run within the Buoy, one was thrown to the Larbord, and one to
the Starbord side of the bow, and at the distance of 60 or 80 yards from
the brig; as the tide drifted them along the coupling line caught the
cable, the pressure of the tide then drove the bombs under her bottom
near the Keel, where the explosion taking place she opened in the middle
was completely decomposed and in 20 Seconds disappeared, which
experiment has proved that wherever such an explosion takes place under
the curve of a Vessels bottom; so that the action must be perpendicular
through her, certain destruction must be the consequence; _B_ represents
a Ship under Sail, _C. D. E_ Bombs anchored as described in the last
plate, she moving towards and among them with the risk of contact and
destruction;
[Illustration:
PLATE THE EIGHTH
]
_Plate the Tenth_,
Figure 1st shews the mode of suspending the bomb to the cork floater
_A_; the line _B_ has pieces of cork on it to keep it from sinking; the
line _C_ is a brace to prevent the tide driving the Bomb by the doted
line to near the surface where it could do no execution: the line _E_
will be longer or shorter in proportion to the draught of water of the
vessel to be attached, which will be further explained in figure the
_Third_;
Figure the Second is another mode of arranging the bomb. _A._ _B._ _C._
are pieces of cork tied by small lines 8 or 10 feet long to the
principal line _D_ in this manner it is floated under water where it is
not Visible nor in danger of being hooked or taken up;
Figure the third is a section of a ship shewing how the bomb lies when
first it comes alongsides; here the suspending line _A_ is of a length
to bend round the curve of the vessel and lay the Bomb in the position
_B._ where the explosion taken place; to get the bomb into that position
two things are necessary. _First_ When it is loaded and has its lock
screwed on, or a weight equal to that of the lock; it must be suspended
in a tub of salt water and if too heavy it must have a cussion of Cork
fastened to it; so as to balance it to two or three pounds heavyer than
its volume of water; in which case its tendency downward being not more
than three or four pounds a little pressure of tide will raise it or
move it latirally; and that it may mount latirally, and move to the
position _B_, it must be hung with an inclination to the tide, as will
be seen in figure the _fourth_, in which _A_ represents a Vessel to be
attacked, _B_ her cable, _C._ _C._ two bombs united by a line 100 or
more feet long, which line is tied by the bridles _D._ _D._ when it
touches the cable the tide drives the bombs alongside; the pressure of
the tide on the angle _D_ will then drive them under the bottom of the
Vessel as seen in Figure the 3d.
The Bomb was thus arranged to blow up the Brig Dorothea,
To throw them in case of an attack it is only necessary for the Boats to
run inside of the Buoy—; which might be done of a dark night without
being observed, or if Seen, would run little risk from musket shot in
the dark, and at such a distance,
Observations on these inventions
It having been fully proved that the explosion of a Submarine Bomb under
a vessel will completely destroy her, it is now necessary to consider
the expence of the two kinds of Bombs and their application; The expence
of the Bomb complete, with the instantanious lock will be as follows
£ S D
Lock 2 0 0
Bomb of Copper 2 10 0
100 lb of powder 7 10 0
Anchor or weight and lines 2 0 0
———— —— —
£ 14 0 0
The Bomb with the clockwork Lock
Lock 10 0 0
Bomb of Copper 2 10 0
100 lb of powder 7 10 0
Cork and lines 2 0 0
———— —— —
£ 22 0 0
The Average price is 18 £ and each bomb of 18 £ Value is of a power to
do as much execution as a fire ship which costs 2 or 3 thousand; 6,660
of them may be made for 120 thousand pounds or the first cost of one
first rate Ship of the line when engines of such destructive powers can
be multiplied to so great a degree, and at an expence which cannot be
felt by an opulent nation the practice of them may produce novel and
serious consequences.
[Illustration:
PLATE THE NINTH
]
In cases where a nation commands the seas as in the present state of the
British marine, the Seamen can approach sufficiently near the Enemy’s
harbours and roadsteads to use such engines from common boats; by which
means several hundred Bombs with instantanious Locks might be anchored
in the passages leading to the Texel, Havre, Brest or other ports of the
Enemy which would render it impossible for any Vessel to move in or out.
But it may be said that the Enemy are already completely blockaded and
England has no need for such a mode of war; this I admit, but this mode
is less expensive than the Usual method of Blockading and destressing an
Enemy’s commerce; yet should the economy not be thought of importance
Still this invention has to be considered in another point of View, and
that of the most interesting kind, Which is;
how would it affect the commerce and marine of England had the French
the means of anchoring 20 or 20 thousand such Bombs in the channels to
the Thames in the Bays, Harbours, Roadsteads, and a long the coast of
England, scotland or Ireland;
I will now endavour to Shew what an Economic simple and certain means
this would give to France to totally destroy the British Marine
And First as to Economy,
The Boulogne Flotilla has cost the french treasury more than three
millions Sterling, for this sum, more than Two hundred thousand
instantanious Bombs might be made; with such a Magazine at Boulogne or
Calais and 100 good row boats the Enemy might each dark night throw some
hundreds of Bombs in the channels of the Thames in the Downs or along
the coast, to the total destruction of the British Commerce, _And if her
commerce cannot be protected what is the use of her Marine?_
I will now Shew that were this Simple System organized in France, it is
not in the power of the whole British marine to prevent the practice of
it to any extent which Bonapart might desire, and he certainly would
desire the annihilation of the British Marine,—
For example. Suppose the French boats were to anchor 500 Bombs in one
night in the waters before Boulogne; where the Blockading squadern
usually cruise; some of the cruising squadern would most certainly be
blown up, and the fleet would be obliged to Keep at a greater distance.
The Bombs being anchored 6 Feet under water at low water, would admit of
row and sail boats to pass over them without danger; while vessels
drawing from 15 to 20 feet of water and running among them would be
destroyed, The french Boats passing over the Bombs or knowing the line
in which they had anchored them; could the next dark night anchor
another 500 still further out, and compel the blockading squadern to
keep at a still greater distance; In fact 1200 Bombs would lay a whole
line from Calais to Dover, allowing an interval of only 30 yards between
each, and 12,000 which would only cost 168,000 £ would lay ten lines
from Dover to Calais which would render it impossible for any Vessel to
pass without certain destruction, and thus a Blockade of the whole
Channel would be formed of which plate the 11 will give some Idea;
_Plate 11_
I have before observed that the french boats could not be prevented
depositing the bombs in this manner; Ships of war could not prevent them
Because they dare not approach where the Bombs are anchored; British
boats could not prevent them because they could not always be on the
watch; and Second because the french boats can or may be encouraged to
combat any boats whatever; And the moment this System or any other
reduces the British marine to Boat fighting, the revered Sovereignty of
the seas will be for ever lost; Colonies must be Abandoned and the whole
influence which England holds in the scale of nations will Vanish, This
is the natural and obvious consequence of this system when reduced to
practice and prosicuted by a powerful nation with energy and Spirit; Ten
lines of Instantanious Bombs or even a less number anchored in the
British channel would cut off the greater part of the commerce of London
and of England, The wealth of England and the existance of her fleets
depend on her immense and uninterrupted commerce, But should France ever
possess a means to cut off or interrupt such trade, England would be
obliged to submit to any terms which Bonapart might think proper to
dictate, I think I have here shewn that the plan described would give
him such power, Gentlemen will deliberately consider it and its
consequences consequences—
[Illustration:
PLATE THE TENTH
]
When Mr. Pitt saw the sketch of this engine of simple construction, easy
application, and powerful effect, he observed that if Introduced into
practice it would lead to the annihilation of all military marines, It
was therefore agreed not to use it,—But when I speak of my interest and
that of my friends in these inventions, I must call the particular
Attention of the Arbitrators to this engine to Shew that while in france
I might have brought forward this system to the infinite Injury of
England; I did not bring it forward but came to this Country by
Invitation to explain the engines to government; and receive what might
be considered a fair equivalent for inventions of such magnitude,
leaving them to government to use or not as they might think proper; It
must therefore be considered that my negative to France is a Positive
advantage to England, and out of these Ideas will arise considerations
on such sums or annuity as a Great nation can afford to pay for her own
security, and which should in reason satisfy men possessed of inventions
the consequences of which are incalculable,
After what has been said on the practice of the instantanious Bomb, it
will be seen that the submarine Vessel is not of much importance nor
necessary to Carry such engines into effect from England against France,
or from France against England, but it would be of the first importance
to the Sweeds, Danes, Dutch, Spaniards or Portuguise in a War against
England for with such vessels they could come without risque and anchor
instantanious Bombs in the British channel in the mouth of the Thames in
the roadsteads and, along the coast, and distress the commerce to as
great a degree as before described,
Each submarine Vessel constructed in the best manner would cost about
8,000 £. 10 of them could be built for 80 Thousand pounds, and each of
them requiring 6 men to Navigate them, the total would be 60 men. Each
Vessel could carry 30 bombs the ten could convoy 300, Besides the Bombs
each could carry water and provisions for 6 men for 6 weeks, they are
therefore calculated to navigate all the narrow seas of Europe and might
anchor Bombs in any channel or roadstead where it might be thought
necessary; Thus it is that this invention of submarine navigation and
Submarine Bombs, gives to the minor maritime powers a decided advantage
over the Major maritime Nations,
The manner of attacking a single ship with two clockwork bombs has been
explained in plate the tenth; which mode I conceive will be allowed to
be less expensive than fire ships and attended with less Risk than
Bordage or any mode now in practice
But suppose an enterprise to send such Bombs in among the Shipping at
Brest or any other open port; the tide running at the rate of two miles
an hour, the clockwork being set to two hours would make it practicable
to set the Bombs afloat at four miles distance from the Enemy; and they
would arrive among the shipping about the time the explosions commenced;
It would of course be advisable to get as near the Enemy as possible
before giving the Bombs to the tide, and in allmost all cases it is
possible to near them within two miles or a mile and a half in the night
time; the clockwork should be set accordingly.
_Plate 12_
Plate the 12 will Shew how the hooks are arranged to pass the Buoys and
yet hook in the Cable; in all cases where the line of the Bomb may cross
one; it is a round ended hook filled in with cork to keep it from
sinking being round at the end it cannot hook in the Buoy, but if the
line crosses a cable it will glide along till it comes to the hook and
be caught, the Bomb will then drift alongside, and sheer under the ships
bottom, this being a mode of attack it is to be considered what would be
the risk of 10, 15 or 20 Sail were 2 or 3 hundred such bombs floated
among them in one night.
But as Ships at anchor cannot follow or even fire to advantage in the
night on boats which are 4 or 5 hundred yards off; it [necessarily]
reduces the enemy to the necessity of defending themselves against
boats, by boats—, this being the Case what could prevent 40 British
Boats running with the flood into the harbour of Brest, there throw
their Bombs across the Bows and retire with the ebb of night;? 16 oard
cutters each with 4 or 5 marines and two swivels would complete such an
enterprise with little risk for as the objects of the British Boats
would not to fight but run: the oars would never be interrupted and
their Velocity together with the fire of the marines would clear their
way through any of the enemy’s boats which could be ready to oppose
them; but they would have another advantage for the explosion of the
first bomb or the Blowing up of the first ship, would occupy all the
enemy’s boats In saving the men which would leave little or no
opposition to the British Boats; I Leave to nautical Gentlemen to
consider whether such an attack with such engines whose operation is
instantanious; Is not practicable for British seamen in Brest harbour;
and if at Brest, it is also practicable at Cadiz and other ports, and
presents a more effectual mode of destroying the Enemys fleets than any
method now in practice and with less risk, But I do not expect Gentlemen
to decide in favour of this mode of attack without first contemplating
Galleys or cutters of the best construction, and picked men, habituated
and exersised to the System and practice of the Bombs,—For as a morter
is not given to the management of a lighthouseman, but to a Bombadeer,
so these engines should not be confided to officers or men till they had
been practiced in the use of them,
[Illustration:
PLATE THE ELEVENTH
]
I have now described the leading principles of this mode of warfare; it
is well known that all new inventions, and particularly those connected
with a government, require years to perfect them, to render them
fameliar, effecient; and introduce them into general practice; men must
be exersised establishments must be made, and the plan whatever it is
Should be pursued with System,
But when ever any invention, or project is within the limits of Physics
and evidently practicable, it is to be reduced to simple operations and
fameliar practice by time; and the inducement to perfect it is always in
proportion to the magnitude of the object in View;
Every principle her ascerted has already been proved by practice, what
then is wanting to make them productive of all the consequences here
contemplated? only time and perseverence, even talent is hardly
necessary; for all the principal defficulties have been overcome, the
question therefore on the policy and true interest of this government
concerning these inventions is whether they Should rest in their present
state or be left to the proprietors to convert to their own advantage as
they think proper;
As gun powder, Cannon, muskets, gun locks, and even flints, all had
opponents prejudices and established habits to encounter; yet have in
time totally Changed the art of war and the relative strength of
nations:—So these inventions on submarine navigation and attack may now
be considered as the Embryo of a total change in the military marine
system; and the existing relative power of States; it, is therefore a
subject not only of simple arbitration but one on which the Arbitrators
as men of science should deliberate with the utmost care For it is now
and by their means, that the present and future Ministers, _the
guardiens of the interests of Great Britain_; are to get exact Ideas on
this subject, and fully make up their minds, whether there is anything
to be hoped or feared from this system; Vulgar men see and admit only of
such things as time and practice has rendered fameliar to all Mankind;
Men of Sense and science penitrate from principles to future and certain
effects.
ROBERT FULTON
London,
August 10th 1806
Additional Notes
Of the supply of air in the submarine Vessel
* * * * *
The Cylender or incompressible part of this Vessel being 6 feet diameter
and 24 feet long will have an Area of 672 cube feet on allowing a Man to
consume the Oxygene of 20 Cubic feet in an hour it would be suffecient
for one Man for 33 hours or for 6 men for 5 hours or should each Man
consume the oxygene of only 15 cube feet in an hour and which is the
usual estimate, there would be suffecient for 6 men for 7 hours or
should a greater supply of air be necessary for any particular operation
it may be done as in the following sketch
[Illustration]
_A_ is a cast Iron or copper box one cube yard or 27 cube feet. Into
this 20 atmospheres may be compressed by proper pumps. _B_ is a measure
of half a cube foot. _C_. _D_ two cocks, _C_ being shut, _D_ is opened
and the measure _B_ filled. _D_ is then Shut and _C_ opened which lets
the measure of air circulate in the Vessel, the 20 atmospheres
compressed in in this reservoir would equal 540 cube feet of common air
and suffice for the 6 men for 5 hours more and thus the 6 men might
continue under water 11 hours in such case were they in a harbour or
surrounded by a fleet they could continue under water all day and
mounting with their air pipe out of water in the night renew the air for
the following day, but this is contemplating an extreme case, a Vessel
which can stay 4 hours under water can move 8 miles in that time where
the tide is two miles an hour and could get out of any open harbour Such
as Brest, Cadiz &
[Illustration:
PLATE THE TWELFTH
]
* * * * *
On the weight of the Cylender and its Buoyancy
Suppose it cast one inch thick on calculating its cube inches and
allowing 4 cube inches of brass to a pound it would Weigh about 8 tons.
Its volume of water or 672 cube feet would weigh upwards of 16 tons,
hence such a cylender hermetically cloased would float 8 tons lighter
than Water