The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-25

VISIT OF INSPECTION OF TIE PRESIDENT AND PDEsI-
DENT ELECT, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, ETC.
The following letter from the Secretary Of the Navy to
Captain Ericsson demonstrates the interest that
tertaned in that department Of the with re-
Bpect to Captain EricssOn's invention
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON Feb. IA, 1853.
SRHaving received, through Mr. Stoughton, who, UNI
derstand authorized by you to act in the matter
proposal from you to build ships ofthe class
United States to be constructed and equipped with your
caorc engine the conditions mentioned in the propo
SAL was gratifed in the opportunity 1t afforded me to
the great interest felt in the prosperous issue OF
mat most important undertaking, by which you
ssing TO perfect this new mechanical power and pre-
sen, ~ 10 ihe notice and use of the country.
Although ! am well aware that your design, and the
pan by which you have sought to execute it, have been
tainments give authority to their Judgment and that
many wen versed in the theory and practice Of mechan
cal science have concurred in conclusion against the
proDapty OF their successful application think il NV
duty nevertheless to you Of the earnest and "a
yorabe expectation your experiment has excited in this
tain of its final triumph ali dissenting oninions
Without presumng to set my own Judgment above that
weight cannot but perceive that much Of the dstrns
manifested against your undertaking may be ascrbed to
mechanism which is famarized by use and to the natu
raj repugnance with which men, Of the highest scen
tifc accomplishment regard every striking innovation
claimed by inventor within the field of useful art
Predictions Of failure in the early experimental essays of
great invention the usual obstacles it destined to
encounter and apt to supply much of the motive to
the practical demonstration Of its leaves fur
Their room for doubt.
The country and the government have both SO many
nducemeE to wish for fortunate result to your great
enterprise, that regard it obligation upon this de-
partment to contribute whatever may be appropriately
in my power to promote the full Development of your
invention and 10 aid in the most eectua to test
its value.
1t was with this conviction that requested you to al
low your ship to be brought ut the earliest practicable
day during the present session of Congress- the neigh
might be seen and examined by the public authorities
but that by the hther trial il capacity and
quality might be made which should enable this depart
ment to form the best judgment upon the question of the
adaptation Of the principle Of Its construction to the uses
of the service.
It's gives pleasure to acknowledge the prompttude
with which you have consented to comply with this re-
quest and to to you that Jour compliance must in
spire increased confidence in your conviction OF
your ability to accomplish the brilliant end to which you
have devoted your labor.
Ilearn that you have directed the ship be despatch
ed in time to reach Norfolk by the Goth Of this month
would leave to suggest to the proprety Of order
ing her to proceed either to the yard at this city
to it her draught may allow This will
place her conveniently within the reach Of the off,
cerS OF the government and the members Of Congress-
who am aware will take great interest in visiting her.
1t will also crafty to be allowed to place board
OF her, to accompany her her passage
gneers Of the naval service who may make report to
this department Of her performance and the incidents Of
her voyage.
have the honor to be, with the highest consideration
and respect, your obedient servant
JOHN p KENNEDY.
Captain John Ericsson, New York.