Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-08-06

Mr.. Robert Ward, the effects and lmpor
Of which, it is scarcely possible to esu-
The shot parakss Of the nature OF
snll! but the great aim Of Mr.. w has been 10
producs1 2iosion at some given point, IN
stead d particular time, which has nere>
tofore be0 Eula,ed by fuse. All who have
any knowledge OF guAnery, must be aware sha'
the effects of shell are III great measure oes-
lroyed by the impossibi,y OF so regulating !ne
elevation ofthe howitzer, as to correspond win
the length of the fuse, and nature Of ITS coinPo-
siton To obviate this, Mr.. Ward offers sho'
to be fired in the usual horizontal direction,
with pluh projecting at the side intended 10
strike the object aimed al. This plug on com :
ing in contact with any hard substance is iorc'
ed upon percussion cap, in the chamber Of the
shot, and an explosion Immediately takes place
or, by The use. Of slew powder, may be pro-
tracted for few seconds, and thereby gi'elimt
for the sho, 10 pass into the centre oil 'essfi
or house before the explosion. lhe Pracuca'
billy Of this part Of the invention mus De aa-
mitted al once; he only difficulty winch pre-
sents itself 10 us, is the mode OF destroying the
rotary motion Of the shot in order 10 bring tha'
side OF it on which the plug Is, in contact Win
the object fired at
The model before US is in the form OF cone,
with plar or wings similar 10 learners Oh a."
arrow extending from the apex TO the BASE me
metal of which, in addition TO the difference III
weight resulting from The difference IN proper
ton 10 The other parts, is also TO be OF mucn
greater thickness On the apex il is intended
10 affix plate corresponding TO the Size
of the shot and callbre OF The gun from
which il is fired, and this plate VIII iay III con"
tao, with the cartridge. How lar these pre-
cautions will overcome the rotary motion, mus.
be a matter of conjecture until the Literally OF
his fellow citizens enables Mr.. Ward 10 make
the experiment. We would suggest however,
the proprie,y Of filling up with wood the spaces
between the wings Of the shot, or the action Of
the atmosphere upon thr surface Of ,heplale al
the apex, will, to a certain extent, destroy Its
| velocity
The base, or side Of the shot containing the
plug, is also armed with sharp projections, well
calculated 10 facilitate It's entrance into BODY
of timber, or through the sides OF ship.
We consider the Invention of this shot, it pei
fected, one of immence Importance to tie coun
try, and more particularly so 10 the commercial
part of il. We have no doubt but the requlred
direction can be given, and il so, II is almost
impossible for vess, |, even OF the largest class
TO take possession Of one Of our smallest schoo'
ners armed with ivy n'y.iour pounder q
these "rorp,do Shot" One of tnem taking
effect and exploding in the hold Of man-ot-
war would be attended with almost certain des-
truction.
Mr. Ward intends calling upon the citizens
of n York to aid hun in trying an experiment
unnn .s,,,~-s...,d 4n,ned nv ii- ---
tors Of the Merchants Exchange have given
their consen, 10 his opening subscription IN
the large room Of the Exchange.
On the bare possibility Of his succeeding; and
we have great faith in his success; il is worthy
The attention Of our merchant; ard as the sum
required viii be sm,ll one, we hope they VIII
enable him to tes' the utilitv of his invention.
lfsucce ssful, il viii go fauber 10 be- ehl COM
merce, and ameliorate the horrors OF war; than
we dare at present predict. ~ Courier.