Frazer.] d/J [Sept. 6, 



It is proper to notice here that this experience of a new phase of Ori- 

 ental lile, added to the training of jVIcCauley's youth in Egypt, naturally 

 produced a marked effect upon the direction of his thought, and gave his 

 studies an Oriental and philological bias. Naturally a shrewd observer 

 and a good imitator, he improved every occasion to increase his repertory 

 of languages and his mastery of Oriental habits of thought. But despite 

 this undercurrent, scarce observed by himself, perhaps, but which was to 

 become later his ruling tendency, he was now a handsome, well cultivated 

 young oflBcer, with a high appreciation of ladies' society, and everywhere 

 welcome to it. The long story of his transfers, assignments to shore 

 duty, waiting orders, sailing orders, etc., are about the same as those of 

 thousands ot other young men, and conceal in their laconic and routine 

 phraseology about the same number of heart-burnings, bad and good luck, 

 and apparent injustice. 



The next important duty to which he was assigned was also for him, 

 as well as for the country, epoch-making, but of a very different kin(? 

 from the last. 



Mr. Cyrus W. Field, at the head of a devoted few enthusiasts, had 

 finally succeeded in impressing the governments of Great Britain and the 

 United States with the feasibility of an Atlantic submarine telegraph, 

 and both governments had granted the request for aid in realizing the 

 project. 



The history of the vicissitudes, failures and final success of this enter- 

 prise deserves to be taught in the public schools, as an example of what 

 courage and perseverance in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles 

 may accomplish. The parts played in this drama, so important for the 

 entire globe, by the Niagara, the Agamemnon, the Oorgon and the 

 Valorous, is best told in a little book called The Story of the Telegraph, of 

 which the title and the contents of some of the principal chapters will be 

 found in the footnote below.* 



Additional interest in this connection is found in a small 8vo of eighty 

 pages, entitled. Proceedings at the Banquet held in Honor of Cyrus W. 

 Field, Esq., of New York, in Willis' Rooms, London, on Wednesday, 1st 

 of July, 1868. Revised by the Speakers. Loudon : Metchim & Son, 

 Printers, 20 Parliament Street S. W., and 32 Clements Lane E. C, 1868," 



* The Story of the Telegraph. The Story of the Telegraph and a History of the Great 

 Atlantic Cables. A Complete Record of the Inception, Progress and Final Successof that 

 Undertaking. A General History of Land and Oceanic Telegraphs. Descriptions of 

 Telegraphic Apparatus and Biographical Sketches of the Principal Persons Connected 

 with the Great Work. By Charles F. Briggs and Augustus Maverick. Abundantly and 

 Beautifully Illustrated. New York : Rudd & (^arleton, 310 Broadway, MDCCCLVIII. 

 8vo,255 pp. Chap, iii, " Origin of the Atlantic Telegraph ;" Chap, iv, " Construction and 

 Experiments;" Chap, v, "The First Expedition— Summer of 1857 ;" Chap, vi, "The 

 Expedition of 1858;" Chap, vii, "The Third and Successful Attempt, Trinity Bay, 

 Thursday, etc., August 5, 1858." " The Niagara and Gorgon arrived at Trinity Bay, yes- 

 terday. Atlantic cable perfect in working landed. The Agamemnon and Valorous spliced 

 in mid-ocean with Niagara, and each proceeded her way, the iirst two for Valeutia and 

 the last to Trinity." 



