PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION. 553 



NAVAL WARFARE. 



Mr. Dibben opened the discussion in a sketch of the history of 

 iron-plated ships. 



Prof. lieuwick.— There are some facts in the history of this 

 art which were not stated in the highly satisfactory address to 

 which we have listened. Iron-plated ships were first suggested 

 by John Stevens, the father of Robert and Edwin. In regard to 

 columbiads, known in Europe by the plagiary name of Paixhans, 

 the first were made at the instance of Col. Williams, U. S. Engi- 

 neers, for the armament of the castle known by his name, on 

 Governor's Island, in this harbor. The drawings for the gun are 

 said to have been made by Col. Brunford, U. S. Ordnance. The 

 calibre of these guns was of 100 pounds. Elongated projectiles 

 were invented by Robert L. Stevens before the close of the war 

 of 1812. I was present at a trial of them in 181Y, and that 

 trial was not successful ; the shells did not explode. In the same 

 year there was another trial, at which I was not present, but I 

 was informed that it was successful. A number of shells were 

 made, placed An. boxes and deposited in Castle William to be 

 ready for use. 



Mr. Babcock. — A number of steel shot have been recently pre- 

 pared for the government and placed on board the JVaugatuch, 

 Stevens' little boat, to be used in a 100-pounder Parrott gun 

 against the Merrimac if she again ventures out. They are of 

 solid cast steel of the acorn form, Avith the point terminating in 

 a cylinder three inches in diameter and about three inches long^ 

 with a perfectly square end, the corners being nicely finished to 

 a cold-chisel edge. It is thought that if they do not penetrate 

 the side of the Merrimac, they will at least catch into the plates 

 with sufficient hold to tear them from their places. I am told 

 that the Merrimac has precisely similar shot, weighing 360 lbs. 

 each, with which to attack the Monitor. 



Prof. Joy. — It is remarkable that 81 years ago they were dis- 

 cussing the very subject which is engaging our attention at this 

 time, and in reference to the same locality. I hold in my hand 

 an order from Washington in relation to boats at Yorktown to 

 protect the French fleet from fire-ships. Washington wished 

 Count de Grasse to sail up York river with his fleet, and thus 

 make the capture of the British army certain, but the Count 

 declined to do this unless Washington would furnish boats to 

 prevent his vessels from being burned. This order was accord- 



