The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-04-16

down 10 the ends of the topsail ward acros
the stern. and hauled well taught (as.descri
bed in tie next page) were all the obsta
Icles with which MIR. Fulton had TO contend
in the application of his torpedoes to the
Argus's bottom, but these, however, were
to render all his schemes abortive, az
will hereafter be shewn by his own con-
fession.
| (Here an Engroving.)
After the Argus was thus prepared for
the experiments. several thousands of the
citizens of New York asse nbled at Cor
lears Hook Opposite the navy yard) for the
purpose of witnessing the result of Mr.. Full
toms operations on her; but the weather
proving somewhat untavorable. and the
committee In consequence having sent to no
thy that they would not attend Cn this day "a
boat was dispatched TO inform the people
collected there that no experiments would
be made before the next day.
September Is.
Boats were again sent to New York for
the committee, but in two hours aft,r re
turned with information from governor
Lewis, that the President of The committee,
Chancellor Livingston, being indisposed, &
the weather not being favorable, would
prevent their attendance on this day Col.
Williams and Mr.. Garnet, two of the COM
m'tlee, came over, however. and in compa
NY with Mr.. Fulton. captain Chauncey, and
myself, and some gentlemen, went ON board
or the Argus and examined the prepara'i
ons made for her defence: this they did.
though without comment. Mr.. Fulton ex.
ceIted, VINO acknowledged that n means
OF defence then exhibited were suffi Glen, TO
prevent the application of torpedoes to her
bottom. unless some mode could be devised
I" remove the obstacles, which he declared
might be done, aitb ough he could not then
precisely say how, as from his not being
previously aware of the difficulties which
he then found he had to encounter, time
must he given for reflection and farther in
vention.
In this days remarks il may be proper to
noe, that MIR Fulton made an experiment
on the wharf with his machine for cutting
Off Cables under water and succeeded; but
without proving it would have the same
effect under the water or even if could,
thai 1t was of any use as an instrument.
(Here an Engraping.)
After this experiment he made several
others, by firing harpoons at a target of a.
bout five feet square: but did not sue
coed in attaching the harpoon TO the target
ia any instance at a greater distance than Is
feet.
September &c.
The committee met at the navy ward on
this day at half past ten O'Clock in the
morning, at which time Mr. Fulton made
several essays with his harpoon gun, but
did not succeed any better than IN his pre-
ced'ng experiments. After this, at his re-
quest, the committee retired 70 the house
OF captain Channcey, where models had
been prepared by the exhibitor to explain
results which he hoI h. Iii
by actual experiment; and after explain.
ing causes and effects, he inforn.ed :ht com
mhtee, that since their last meeting his
MIND bad been in part employed il. devil
sing meas to destroy the security which
nets afforded to vessels in opposition to his
torpedoes; In substance as follows: hat he
mad invented combination of knives CAL
culated to be fired from gun, for the pur
pose OF cutting hole through the net.
winch being effected. trough about half
the size OF the body Of a cart, containing
the torPednes, was TO be introduced into the
said hole. and the torpedoes emptied in, and.
to use ms own words, Gin the same name r
that potatoes are commonly emp,ied from
the body of a Cart
IL now appearing that Mr.. Fulton had ei
ven up the intention of experimenting on the
Argus. j mentioned 10 the COMM, &c Thar
she was then under sailing orders; & hat,
u Mr.. Fulton did not intend to make any es
says on her, wcuId orrer her to preDare
tor sea, and which should have done had
ne not at the time expressed de ire that
She might be detained a few DAYS lon
ger. as it was probable Gas he said) hat he
might IN very short time be prepared to
make some experiments on her
The committee now adjourned to inject on
the 28th inst.
NoTE--It will be recollected that Mr..
Fulton addressed letter TO the members
OF Congress who voted in favor of The tor
pedo bill. dated April IS, 1S1O) in which
he assured them that nets, booms. &c. IN
stead OF obstructing would facilitate his ODE
ratIons
-, September %.
Ihe committee met according to apnh,nt-
ment. aud the lighter Of the yard was an
Chored with piece Of an old % inch cable
tor the purpose OF affording Mr.. Fnltoo an
opportunity OF showing more demonstr..
lively he actual effect of his machine for
Cutting off cables under water
(Here an EngraUfnP
The cable being thus prepared. Mr.. Full
ton made an attempt to hook and cut il off
but did not succeed even in hooking the ga
bic, nuch more in cutting it off: while AZ
the same time he was obliged to require the
assistance OF the men on board If the LIGHT
er to which the Cable was attached. In ev-
trlcaie the torpedo boat from m. aux ward
position in which the tide had klaced her
rom The machine being on one side of die
cable. and me boat on the other
The gun was, however, fired under u.,,r