The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-05-13
LAMMOV DUPONT'S CAREER.
Worth SI3,OOO,OOO When Killed
Running a Blockadeto Supply
Russia With Powder.

Russia With Powder.
Mr.. Lammot Dupont, who was killed
on Saturday by the explosion at
Thompsons point, is said to have been
worth $1S, 900, 600. He had controll-
inc interest in the manufacture OF
nearly all the high explosives that were
made in the United States and Canada
cast of the Rocky mountains. Ten
million pounds of these materials were
consumed in the country in 1882 the
Repauno company's works at Thomp-
sons point producing one-third of this
amount. He is credited with having
organized combination Of all the
makers of high explosives. When
negotiating with the Panama Canal
company for the powder to be used in
that work he guaranteed to supply
twelve tons of Atlas powder daily if
that amount were needed.
One of the most daring achieve
ments recorded in the history OF the
present century is one of which he was
the central figure. During the Cri-
mean war the Russian government ran
short OF powder, and the explosive was
required to continue the defense OF
Sebastopol. A cargo was purchased
from the Duponts in this country, and
was placed in a steamship lying off Bal
timore The British had frigates post
ed in waiting outside the Chesapeake.
After seven fents the watchers were
eluded and a chase begun across the
Atlantic, through Gibraltar and up the
Mediterranean sea. With remarkable
good fortune the vessel passed through
the Bosphorus and into the Black sea
unchecked; but when nearing the
place of contention the English war
ships hailed the stranger.
Young Dupont was at the helm him
self, and insisted that the vessel pro-
coed, not needing the signals from the
warships. Two broadsides were fired
into the vessel, but she was able to
steam ahead and steer through the
rocks and was beached inside the
Russian lines. This daring adventure
saved the cargo, for which the Russian
government paid the sum of $4,000, 900.
Throughout the civil war the family
rendered distinguished services to the
government, and at the very beginning
of the rebellion Mr.. Lammot Dupont
was placed in position by which,
through his energy and genius, the
country was supplied with the means
of defense for the ensuing conflict.
When it became evident that the re-
bellion was not to be suppressed in a
single campaign the government began
to consider what means it had for sup
plying powder to the vast armies to be
put in the field. Mr.. Dupont was
called to Washington to consult with
the president, and his estimates fairly
startled the cabinet by revealing to
them great danger ahead in the
highly probable exhaustion of the sup
ply of saltpeter.
From England alone could the re-
quisite amount be obtained, and Mr.
Dupont sailed for Liverpool with the
necessary credentials, personal and
financial, and made his way with all
speed to London. There he at once
applied to Peabody and the Earrings
Chen financial representatives Of the
United States in London), but encount-
cred many obstacles, attributable to
the timidity Of the secretary of the
treasury, who, after promising an
ample supply of funds. had failed to
make good all his engagements, In
this emergency the patriotic envoy con-
cluded, on the responsibility OF his own
house, an arrangement with Brown
Brothers g. Co. which placed at mis-
command sufficient sum. But the
greatest difficulty was yet to be en-
countered, for Earl Russell's govern.
ment refused to allow Great Britain
to be deprived OF so much saltpeter
and Mr.. Dupont returned to America
Another consultation of the cabinet
was called, and, when all were be
wildered BY the difficulties Of thu
situation, Mr. Dupont made the sug
gGstion that, in the event Of another
refusal, the American minister should
be instructed to demand his passports
and close the embassy. This, 1t was
understood, was to be stated merely
rs an uI.cludliNc, lOl ltS lLOl - NAAN~'
without any immediate intention o.
putting the threat into execution
President Lincoln accepted the sugges
ton, and Mr. Dupont, returning t
England, had an interview with thu
prime minister, who, on learning thu
danger Of an interruption Of diplomati
relations, begged Mr.. Dupont to for
bear communicating with Mr.. Adam
for a day, and next morning callc'
upon him at his hotel to tell him tina
the council had been communicate,
withby telegraph, and the consent G
the government obtained to the cXpor
of the saltpeter. A number OF sci
were at once loaded, and fortunatcl
got away with their cargoes the yer
night Of the arrival Of the news Of tn
capture of Mason and Shell Th
premier on hearing that the vessel ha
sailed expressed his satisfaction an
privately assured Mr. Dupont that h
was at liberty to state conlidentially
Mr.. Lincoln that scarcely for any eau,
would England at that period 90 to WI
with America. -Philddclpha II cord.