APPENDIX. 



to her command. Prior to this event, it had been intended by the Commissioners to finish her conformably 

 to the plan originally submitted to the Executive. She is a structure resting upon two boats and keels 

 separated from end to end by a canal fifteen feet wide, and sixty-six long. One boat contained the caldrons 

 of copper to prepare her steam. The vast cylinder of iron, with its piston, levers, and wheels, occupied a 

 part of its fellow ; the great water-wheel revolved in the space between them ; the main or gun-deck 

 supported her armament, and was protected by a bulwark four feet ten inches thick, of solid timber. This 

 was pierced by thirty port-holes, to enable as many thirty-two pounders to fire red hot balls; her upper or 

 spar deck was plain, and she was to be propelled by her enginery alone. 



It was the opinion of Captain Porter and Mr. Fulton, that the upper deck ought to be surrounded with 

 a bulwark and stanchions — that two stout masts should be erected to support latteen sails — that there 

 should be bowsprits for jibs, and that she should be rigged in a corresponding style. Under authorities so 

 great, and with the expectation of being able to raise the blockade of New London, by destroying, taking, 

 or routing the enemy's ships, all these additions were adopted and incorporated with the vessel. 



It must here be observed, that during the exhaustion of the treasury, and the temporary depression of 

 public credit, the Commissioners were exceedingly embarrassed — their payments were made in treasury notes, 

 which they were positively instructed to negotiate at par. On several occasions even these were so long 

 withheld, that the persons who had advanced materials and labor were importunate for payment, and silently 

 discontented. To a certain extent, the Commissioners pledged their private credit. Notwithstanding all this, 

 the men, at one time, actually broke oflf. The work was retarded, and her completion unavoidably deferred, 

 to the great disappointment of the Commissioners, until winter rendered it impossible for her to act. 



Under all this pressure, they, nevertheless, persevered in the important object confided to them. But 

 their exertions were further retarded by the premature and unexpected death of the Engineer. The world 

 was deprived of his invaluable labors before he had completed this favorite undertaking. They will not 

 inquire, wherefore, in the dispensations of Divine Providence, he was not permitted to realize his grand 

 conception. His discoveries, Jiowever, survive for the benefit of mankind, and will extend to unborn generations. 



At length all matters were ready for a trial of the machinery to urge such a bulky vessel through the 

 water. This essay was made on the first day of June, eighteen hundred and fifteen. She proved herself 

 capable of opposing the wind, and of stemming the tide, of crossing currents, and of being steered among 

 1 3 riding at anchor, though the weather was boisterous and the water rough. Her performance 

 demonstrated that the project was successful — no doubt remained that a floating battery, composed of heavy 

 artillery, could be moved by steam. The Commissioners returned from the exercise of the day, satisfied that 

 the vessel would answer the intended purpose, and consoled themselves that their care had been bestowed 

 upon a worthy object. 



Put it was discovered, that various alterations were necessary. Guided by the light of experience, they 

 caused some errors to be corrected, and some defects to be supplied. She was prepared for a second voyage 

 with all practicable speed. 



On the fourth of July she was again put in action. She performed a trip to the ocean, eastward of 

 Sandy Hook, and back again, a distance of fifty-three miles, in eight hours and twenty minutes. A part of 



157 



174 BULLETIN 240: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY 



