The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-16

4hc steam hAtteTy nj ftODOkens
THE MANNER IN WHICH THE WORK is PROGRESSING
DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTERY--wHAT IT WILL
COST TO COMPLETE 1T, ETC, ETC.
The work on the mysterious steam battery which has
been for so long time building by the Mcssrs Stevens
at Hoboken and upon which the government have ex
pended over half million in money, is about, it is re-
ported to be drawn to close for the present owing
the want Of further to complete the vessel II
now many years since this work first CON-
menced and wh,n started the Mcsss Stevens reported
that the battery would be completed aud ready for use
within three years. More than treble that has now
elapsed and from present appearances there is every
indication that it will take about three thirty three
hundred years longer to finish the work. should the gov
eminent fit TO appropriate further to complete
the job.
The first appropriation made by Congress was
thought ample to build the battery; but it proved
to be not half the amount required at least
from the fact that second application was made
by the Stcvenscs about three years ago, when the
government, through the Influence brought to bear.
made a second appropriation, making in all the
enormous of 100000. 1t was then commended
that the vessel would be launched without doubt in one
year. but that time having long passed. the public have
almost forgotten that there such vessel in existence
or building, and have long placed it among the things
that to be. Should be finished which only
be- at least from present appearances by the govern
later takng it in hand, behave it will
be of little service and after has been used for
public exhibition it will finally be moored along some
DOCK at the Navy Yard and there left gradually go
TO destruction and ruin
When the battery was FIRST started Robert l..
Stevens was the prime mover; his two brothers
interostod with MIN. AT tho death of
L., however, John G. Stevens carried the work
he did not survive his brother long, is devolvcd
upon Edwin Stevens to complete IL or hand ii
to the government. Mr. Edwin Stevens, having
great desire that the vessel should be Finished and,
Doubt to the wishes of his deceased brothers
carried out, concluded TO proceed with the work,
having with him the assistance Of the gentle
men who had superntended under bis two brothers
Since the death Of the two first named, but very
little has been done, and the money has about,
We understand, run out. 1t is currently reported
among the men now employed in the yard that
their Iabors will shortly be drawn to a close unless
Congress sees Git to make additional appropriation
What amount will ye, require say one Of
the superntendents on the work has stated that II will
cost not less than 100000.
Though this mysterious Job has been carried on
entirely by the public funds, the public have been
kept in perfect ignorance as to how the work
progressing and how the moneys have been expended
The Messrs Stevens have repeatedly refused to even
allow description of the battery to be given by the
public press and several occasions have reporters
from this journal called upon the above gentlemen in
hopes Of gaining Abundance to view the works. but
they could obtain but little no satisfaction, and
finally Of the Sevenses became alarmed lest the
slightest fact might leak out that refused to even hold
a conversation with our reporter The employees were
also tongue ted and instructed converse with any
person about the battery or what was going on in the
yard high fence was erected running along the west
side Of the yard Hudson street, where The boards
that
cannot look in besides this the battery which extends
out from under the street, almost entirely boarded over
and, moreover, strict watch Is kept by detailed for
that purpose, to keep ntruders out both day ana night
The night Waterman is accompanied by five furious
bulldogs who are kept chained up during the day. and at
night permitted to at large about the yard These
animals said to be the very specimens of their
breed, and would make bad work with any person who
should attempt to enter after dark There at one
time six but of them killed for having attacked
Mr. Van Boskerk, tearing his clothes very badly and he
barely escaped from the animal without being bitten
For fear lest the night Waterman should neglect his duty
in any way, be is compelled to ring small bell on the
foundry every hour during his time of duty, which for
the purpose Of letting the charge at the ferry
know that he is on hand and at his post. Should he
neglect to strike at any of the hours the fact
account for the same Yet with all their watchfuness
reporter has succeeded in paying visit the bat
terry and has gained some little idea Of what has been
There engaged in the yard about a dozen
men, including the superintendent Mr. King and his two
assistants, David Walker and Mr. Rowins. The two latter
take charge Of the wokmen, and actunder the entire
structions Of Mr. King They occupy little Office at the
northwest corner Of the yard fronting Hudson street,
and through which the employed have pass to gain
admtance Mr. King has his private Office on the north
side Of his dwelling, which Is located on the south
west corner Of the yard, fronting also on
Hudson street. Here the plans and specid-
cations Of the work are said TO he kent and here
Mr. Stevens does all his business In connection with the
battery From Mr.. Kings dwelling Is a private passage
into the battery yard running along the side of the cot.
Mr. Stevens always passes when be goes inspect the
work. AT one time there between two and three
hundred men employed in the foundry and workshops but
they now dwinded down 10 the small number of
twelve, safely infer that the funds are the only
drawback.
The steam battery is, as far we are able to
Judge about half inished is four hundred and
fifty feet long, running nearly from the edge Of the water
clear up under Hudson street. almost touching the unda
ton of Harmonic Hail. which stands on the oppo-
site side Of the street. Its breadth Of beam IL
apparently about thirty feet, and depth of hold from
twenty TO twenty five feet II Ia very sharp at the bow
well proportional, but nothing remarkable about the
the keson ribs, BEAMS &C. being doubt Of the best
material The ribs about three feet apart the outside
being covered with heavy sheet IRON rvced on In
about three feet long and two feet wide, and with the
cepon In the centre the sides have reached the height Of
from seven TO ten feet above the keson. On either sde
aud about midway, the sides extend up twenty or twenty
I've feet, which Ia reported the full height they will
doubt, constitutes the lower deck, and which 10
about eight feet above the keson the other about six
teen seventeen feet above the keson and eight feet
above the lower dock. There have been placed In the
battery eight engines and ten boilers but not known
whether this Ia all there to be- The last boiler was
put In but few weeks ago considerable number OF pipes
have placed Ia the vessel doubt for the purpose
ofe conn m ms bat bo prl.