The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-03-14

ueeied with the Csptsia and officers Of the
Princeton anterior 10, aud immediately attending
the explosion Of one of the large guns on board
that vessel, on the 2sth February last. This in
yestigaion has satisfied the Court
That, in the year 1889, Captain Stockton be-
inc in England, his attention was attracted TO
the extraordinary and important improvements
which had recently been introduced into the
manufacture OF large masses OF wrought iron as
a substitute for cast iron, for objects which re-
ouired combination Of strength aud adhesive
ness or toughness Large shafts Tor steam en-
zines had been thus fabricated, which expert
ence had demonstrated TO be superior in those
Qualities, which were desirable, TO the same ar
tcles manufactured Of cast iron.
These circumstances appear TO have led
Capt Stockton TO consider the question how
far the same material might be employed in the
construction of cannon Of large callore. He
appears to have been animated by motives the
most patriotic stimulated by the laudable desire
of being himself instrumental in promoting the
honor of his country, and Of elevaing that
branch of the service with which he was per
sonally connected. To what extent his inqui-
res were carried, the Court has not been ad-
yised-but il is in evidence that he did advise
and consult with three gentlemen possessing,
from their scientific requirements and practical
experience on such subjects, very superior quail
i6cations in questions Of this character, and
whose opinions were entitled to high respect:
Mr. William Young, Capt. Ericsson, and Fran
eL,
whom allusion is made. After much delibera-
ZION, and several consultations, with calcula-
ions furnished from the same quarter, Captain
Stockton determined upon the construction Of
gun of the proposed dimensions, for the purpose
of testing the opinions Of scientific men by the
results OF experience. A cannon was accord
ngIy made at the Mersey works, of Yorkshire
iron, which being approved OF, was shipped TO
the United States. Having been properly pre-
pared for the purpose, this gun was carried
10 Sandy Hook, and subjected TO what was
deemed the proper test. After the first firing
preparations were made to mount the gun. In
doing this a crack was perceived opposite the
chamber which induced Capt. Stockton to have
the breech strengthened by putting bands
around it, These bands are represented as be-
ing 2 inches in thickness. With this addi-
lonal strength given to the defective part ofthe
gun, the experiments were received, aud the re-
suit was decided conviction upon the minds
of all connected with them, that, in general, the
anticipations Of Capt. Stockton were perfectly
realised and, secondly that if gun of this
construction should yield 10 the force OF the
trial, it would be by simple opening, and not,
as in cast iron, violent disruption and scatter
ing of the fragments.
The success Of these experiments was such
as 10 decide Capt. Stockton forthwith TO direct
the construction Of another gun Of similar
character, TO be made of American iron, which
is usually regard as superior in strength and
tenacty to the English iron. This second gun,
the same which exploded on board the Prince
ton, was constructed with chamber similar to
that OF the first gun, with additional thickness
Of twelve inches AT the breech-a difference,
even if the metal were only Of equal goodness,
far more than sufficiently TO compensate for the
bands by which The first had been fortified.
Application was made TO Col. Bomiord of the
Ordnance Department Of the Army, who, II is
well known, has been professionally occupied in
experimenting upon guns of large calibre, and
his opinion requested as 10 the proper proof to
which such gun ought TO be subjected. The
proof suggested by Col. Bomford as suit
able one, will be found ia his letter Of
Nov. 18th, 1910, appended TO the record. The
new gun constructed by order of Captain Stock
ton, exceeded in dime sions and weight, conse-
quenhy should also have surpassed in strength
that contemplated by Col. Bomiord, they being
of the same caIibre, and the proof TO which
this cannon was subjected, was much more Sc
we're than what was proposed sufficient by
that experienced officer.
In view of all the circum tances thus briefly
adverted to, but minutely detailed in the evil
dence which ia spread upon the record, the
Court entertains a distinct and confident OPT
MON, that in originally forming The plan for the
construction Of large guns, Capt. Stockton pro-
ceeded on well established practical facts that
in coming to a decision upon the feasibility of
the contemplated project, he did not rely upon
his own theoretical opinions, but reso It'd TO
men of science and practical skill for advice,
and that he was fully sustained by their judg-
ment in every particular; that series OF ex-
permenis and trials with the two guns fully
sustained the deductions Of the gentlemen
whose advice was sought, and justified the most
assured confidence in the durability and efh-
cheney Of The gun.
In regard to the mode of loading and firing
on every occasion, and emphatcaIly that which
was followed by the explosion, it ls established
by the fullest proof, to the entire satisfaction of