T II K DKMOLOGo.S; <>H, FULTON THE FIRST. 



■ -.. V,»„, Hn JToi 

 Junt 8M, 18J9. 



Sir: 



I had been on board the "Fulton" all the morning, inspecting the ship and 

 men, particularly the Bick and invalids, which had increased considerably from other ships, and 

 whom I had intended to a.-k the Department permission to discharge, as being of little use to 

 the service. I had left the Bhip but a few moments before the explosion took place, and was 

 in my office at the time. The report did not appear to me louder than a thirty-two pounder, 

 although the destruction of the ship was complete and entire, owing to her very decayed state, 

 for there was not on board, at the time, more ihan two and adialt' barrels of damaged powder, 

 which was kept in the magazine for the purpose of firing the morning and evening gun. It 

 appears to me that the explosion could not have taken place from accident, as the magazine 

 was as well, or better secured, than the magazines of most of our ships, yet it would be 

 difficult to assign a motive to those in the magazine for so horrible an act, a- voluntarily to 

 destroy themselves and those on board. If the explosion was not the effect of design, I am 

 at a loss to account for the catastrophe. 



I have the honor to lie, Sir, 



Very respectfully, 



J. CHAUNCEY. 



How. John* Branch, 



Secretary of the Xavy, Washington. 



17 



PAPER 39: M i ton's "steam battery" 171 



