Complex sentence: Washington Navy Yard personnel were frequently used design and test new weapons see Robert Smith to Thomas Tingey 6 Feb and 17 Aug 1808 regarding a test of Doctor Wallace's invention and Robert Fulton's torpedo both projects which required Yard employees and resources.
Split into simpler sentences: Washington Navy Yard personnel were frequently used design and test new weapons. Secretary Smith requested Tingey on 6 Feb and 17 Aug 1808 arrange a test of Doctor Wallace's invention and Robert Fulton's torpedo both projects which required Yard employees and resources.