the same touch, and instantaneously, any number that may be required.
He can at any time send a telegraphic message through his wires, and feel that the powder is dry and assure himself that all is well.
I have demonstrated the principles of this new means of defence, to one of the most powerful nations of the world,[1] and it has been decided to introduce it there. I am now doing the same for others.
| I have the honour to be, respectfully, |
| Your obedient servant, |
| M. F. Maury, |
| To tho Consul of H. M. the King of Wurtemberg. |
A copy of the following paper was given to the Swedes, one to Russia, one to Holland, and one to France. All these powers, and others, had sent agents to be instructed in the use of the Maury electrical torpedo for harbour, coast, and land defence.
"July 28th, 1866.
"We have treated of the electrical torpedoes under water; before treating of them on the land, I beg to say a few words as to torpedo-boats and mechanical torpedoes, or those which explode by striking or catching against a vessel. The torpedo-boats used by the Confederates generally carried their torpedoes—say forty pounds of powder—at the end of a pole rigged out some twenty feet over the bow of the boat, and inclined downward so as to strike the enemy five or six feet at least below the water-line. Experiments showed that when the torpedo was exploded at three feet the men were liable to be blown out of the boat. In this plan the charge was ignited by the striking of the torpedo against the enemy, which set off a percussion, or broke a phial of acid, so arranged within as to ignite the charge.
- ↑ France.
