396 Mr, J. W. Brett, [March 20, 



the electricity which passed along the wire, and performed the print- 

 ing operation, they were still incredulous. After several other 

 communications, the words " All well," and *' Good night," were 

 printed,* and closed the evening. 



In attempting to resume communication early next morning, no 

 response could be obtained ; and it soon became evident that the 

 insulation was destroyed, either by a leakage of the electric current, 

 or by its having snapped asunder. 



It was conjectured, by the indications of the galvanometer, that 

 it had parted near the French coast, which fact was ascertained on 

 *the return of our steamer, when we fished up the end. 



Knowing the incredulity expressed as to the success of the 

 enterprise, and that it was important to establish the fact that tele- 

 graphic communication had taken place, I that night sent a trust- 

 worthy person to Cape Grinez, to procure the attestation of all who 

 had witnessed the receipt of the messages there ; and the document 

 was signed by some ten persons, including an engineer of the 

 French Government, who was present to watch the proceedings ; 

 this was forwarded to the Emperor of the French, and a year of 

 grace for another trial was granted. 



Thus encouraged, and aided by the support of friends, including 

 the late Lord De Mauley, who ever rendered the most willing co- 

 operation to the enterprise, a more permanent cable was submerged 

 in September 1851, between the South Foreland and Sangate on 

 the French coast; and the line of telegraphic communication between 

 England and France, now exerting so great an influence on the 

 interests of those countries, was established. 



In May 1853, the Dover and Ostend line was laid down. This 

 commenced at the South Foreland, and terminated at Middle Kirk, 

 about five miles from Ostend. Its length was about 70 miles. 

 Captain Washington, R.N., and Captain Smithett, rendered im- 

 portant service to this operation by directing our route. Up to this 

 time the depths encountered had been, comparatively speaking, 

 trifling, the British Channel nowhere exceeding thirty fathoms. 

 My next trial was in the unknown depths of the Mediterranean. 

 The same year concessions were granted to me by the French and 

 Sardinian Governments, to unite the Islands of Corsica, Sardinia, 

 and the colony of Algeria, with their respective capitals. 



The cables were manufactured at Greenwich, and sent out in 

 the steamer Persian, in July 1854. On arriving at Genoa, I 

 found that the Sardinian government had placed three vessels of 

 war at my disposal ; and we set sail at ten at night, for the harbour 

 of Spezzia, the place selected for making fast the cable ; H.R.H. 

 Prince Cariginan, several ministers, and the Ambassadors of Eng- 

 land and France, accompanying us. 



* These communications were printed in Roman type. 



