The New York herald., 1862-01-10
Telegraph Line Along the Coast.
TO TIE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

NEW YORK. Dec. 70, 1861.
During the month Of May last myself and associates
submitted to tho government proposition to lay sub
stantial submarine telegraphc cable along the Atlantic
coast and that of the Gulf Of Mexico from Annapolis
Maryland, to Galveston, Texas.
We proposed to have the cable manufactured in Eng
land. Of adequate strength and durability to employ
English steamers and English experts to submerge the
CABLE to thoroughly organize and fully equip the line
the tcrmn and at the various intermediate points to be
designated by the government to accomplish the under
taking within four months and to deliver it to the CO.
vernment in complete and working order. when they
should be entirely satisfied that the contract had been
faithfully complied with, and the promised communca-
tion effectively established then and not till thon, did
ask remuneration. We estimated tho entire cost ut
$3.50 per mile.
At the time this proposition made to tho govern
ment in May last its accomplishment quito feasible.
The cable only be manufactured in England. Our
atons with her then offered obstacle its immediate
steamers competent and necessary its proper submerg
ing Adequate capital "a million OF doars) with willing
hands and hearts, stood ready to undertake the perform
OF his greatly needed service append herewith
copy Of the letter to President Lincoln 1t is but just
say that the scheme received his instant and hearty
approval. With his well known practical brain he
comprchendcd its great utility and desired its
accomplishment. He submitted 1t to his consti.
tutional advisors, who, strange to say, could
discover any necessity for it. Frivolous objections
raised: IL contended that the administration
clothed with sufficient authority to incur tho
expenditure that Congress would have to make ap
pronriaton and as secrcsy was sovtal To It's complete
application from either OF the departments
would involve publicity and consequent defeat OF the
scheme, and when suggestions were made by parties
(cminenty competcDt) that met and obviaed this obec
now Obstacle, S, ,n0ss I1s
and the whole matter " laid on the table" to bc
resscitaed at this late day when tho project rendered.
practically impossible by the peculiar condition Of affairs
WASHINGTON May 1851.
Mr.. PREInEyT--Sir-I have the honor to submit in
writing the substance of the suggestions made to you
this morning the subject OF q teegraphic submarine
cable between Annapolis and the mouths OF the Mssis
sippi river.
tho line of tho Atlantic coast from Annapolis (or any
pont in the vicinity Of Washington, which my b. de-
.aiaa BY R9 1oys,nmfg an effective suSm1, ne %
communication with the blocSshng s1uad{ons that
may be stationed at any ard all the scapcsM q the
Atlantic coast and the coast Of the Gaf Of Mexico as Gar
beyond the mouths of the Mississippi river TO
pete the whole and put 1t in successful operation within
nab!c tmcsay four months. That portion of the
cable the Atlantic coast extending from Annapolis To st.
Augustine ntersectng Fortress Monroe Wilmington, N C.
Charleston and savannah, and that portion the
Of the Gulf Of Mexico extending from Key West to the
Belize, incrscctng Fort pickeEs and Mobile, may he
pcted and made available within hundred days
Communication could be kept up al Interim by Of
small despatch steamer to ply between hey West and
st. Augustine (tmo involved twenty four or thirty
hours Tho depth OF water, strong currents, and the
coral reefs the Florida capes involve the
sty of mach larger and stronger cable, the
of which will require time; but it can. all
probability be manufactured and laid to mako q
continuous line within the above specified time-four
months.
If tho government entertain a favorable view OF the
general character of these suggestions to desire
the plishment Of the purpose to which they lea
sre prepared submit specific proposals for the
work aud to enter upon contract for It's completion upon
such terms and conditions shall be entirely sat!sac
tory both the guarantee for its successful operation
and the economy OF its construction Most respectfully
your obodent servant, JOS. r. CURTIS.