No. 151.] 197 



Each of these couplings are provided with stop-cocks to cut off the 

 communication in case of rupture. 



The committee were highly gratified with the experiment this 

 afternoon, and consider the value of the invention as completely set- 

 tled. The time consumed in adjusting the apparatus under the ves- 

 sel was a minute and a half to each camel; two of them were infla- 

 ted in one minute, as timed by the committee. The vessel, measur- 

 ing 100 tons, was lifted bodily two feet out of the water by means 

 of twelve camels, which was equivalent to being lightened from 

 thirty to thirty-five tons. The committee regard the invention as ha- 

 ving an important bearing upon the commercial world, inasmuch as 

 it will open a communication with those ports and places which are 

 now unapproachable on account of bars, shoals, &c. 



Another thing not to be forgotten in estimating the value of Capt. 

 Taylor's apparatus, and upon which too much stress cannot be laid, 

 is this: These camels, if placed in the hold of vessels and inflated, 

 are a perfect safe-guard in case of storms at sea; as it is utterly im- 

 possible for them to sink while they are thus arranged. If the ves- 

 sel is dashed in pieces, they still offer the means of escape to the 

 passengers and crew. What an attainment — and what an important 

 desideratum for all those who "go down to the sea in ships," and 

 trust themselves and property upon that treacherous element. This is 

 something which the far-famed " Humane Society" never thought of; 

 or if they did, neglected to put in operation, which last supposi- 

 tion we are not quite ready to believe. 



The committee furthermore consider the introduction of the inven- 

 tion very opportune in relation to our affairs with Mexico; opening 

 many important Mexican ports to our Navy which are inaccessible 

 without its intervention. Capt. Taylor has done himself much cre- 

 dit by this discovery, and the promptitude with which he has brought 

 it forward at this crisis, and we do heartily commend him to the 

 commercial world, and the favorable consideration of our govern- 

 ment. 



(Signed) ADOxNIRAM CHANDLER, 



CHAS. W. CHAUNCEY, U. S. N. • 

 ROBERT LAWRENCE, 

 MARTIN E. THOMPSON, 

 T. B. WAKE MAN. 

 J\reu}-York, October 24th, 1846. 



