The Shasta courier., 1854-04-29
Tc,csraph Aero.. the Atlantic.

Submarine Telegraph Across the Atlantic.
Lieut. Maury has lately written letter to
the Secretary OF the Navy, on the subject of the
Submarine Telegraph across the Atlantic.
The following extracts present all the inter
es,ing points
From Newfoundland to Ireland. the distance
between the nearest points, is about 1000 miles
and the bottom of the sea between the two
places is a plateau, which seem to have been
placed there especially for the purpose of hold
Ing the wires OF the submarine telegraph, and
OF keeping them out of harms way. Ii is neither
too deep nor too shallow; yet it is so deep that
the wires, but once landed will remain forever
beyond the reach of vessels anchors, icebergs,
and drifts OF any kind; and SO shallow that the
wires may be readily lodged upon the bottom.
The depth of this plateau is quite regular,
gradually increasing from the shores of New
toundland to the depth of from 1900 to 1000 ia
ihoms as you approach the other side.
The distance between Ireland and Cape St.
Charles, or Cape St. Lewis in Labrador, is
somewhat less than the distance from any point
OF Ireland to the nearest point OF Newfoundland
But whether ii would be better to lead the
wires from Newfoundland or Labrador, is not
now the question; nor do pretend to consider
the question as to the possibility of finding a
time calm enough the sea smooth enough, a
coil of wire 1000 miles in length; though have
no fear but that the enterprise and ingenuity
of the age, whenever called on with these pro-
blems, will be ready with satisfactory and
practical solution of them
A wire laid across from either of the above
named places on this side. will pass to the north
of the Grand Banks, and rest on that beautiful
plateau to which have alluded, and where the
waters of the sea appear to be quiet and as
afa at aS I ia n he m n q mi
pond.
There are no perceptible currents and no
abrading agents at work at the bottom of the sea
upon this telegraphic plateau.
Consequently teleeraphic wire once laid
there, there it would remain, completely be-
yond the reach of accident as it would be IT bu-
ried in alright cases. There are, SO far as the
bottom OF the deep sea between Newfoundland,
or the North Cape, at the mouth OF the st. Law
renee and Ireland, is concerned, the prectica-
Biiity of submarine telegraph across the At
lantic is proved.
The present state of Europe invests the sub
ject of line of telegraphc wires across the
Atlantic with high degree of interest to the
Government and people Of the United States A
general European war seems now almort newt
able; the attitude which the government will as
sumo with regard to all the be ligerant powers
powers that may be involved III that war, Is that
of strict impartial neutrality.
The better to enable this government to
maintain that position, and the people OF the
United States to avail themselves of all the ad-
vantages of such position. line of daily tele-
graphic communication with Europe would be
Of incalculabfe service.
In this view of the subject and for the pur-
pose of hastening the completion of such line,
l take the liberty of suggesting for your consid-
Grafton the propriety OF offer, from the pro-
per source of prize to the company through
whose telegraphic wire the first message shall be
passed across the Atlantic.
/ have the honor to be, respectfully, &C.,
Nj. F. MAuRY, Lieut. U. s. Navy.
Hon. J. c. DoBBIN, Secretary of the Navy,
Washington, d. c..