Improvements in War Vessels.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Aug., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 17th June, 1893-Accepted, 22nd July, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in War Vessels.
I, ALEXANDER MCDOUGALL, a citizen of the United States of America, and
residing at Duluth, in the County of St. Louis, and State of Minnesota, one of the
United States aforesaid, Ship Builder, do hereby declare the nature of the
invention to be as follows:-
My present invention relates to various new and useful improvements in war
vessels, which are especially adapted and designed for use in the defence of harbors
and coasts. The war vessel to be described herein is intended to be the result of
certain additions and changes either in the tow boats or steam boats of which I am
the inventor and which are now well known as "whale-backs." In converting one
of my improved tow boats or steam boats into such a war vessel for coast or harbor
defence, I proceed substantially as follows:
The vessel is to be first stripped of its turrets, working decks, cabins and other
super-structure so as to leave nothing but the hull and interior fixtures. On the
bow part of the boat is placed a heavy auxiliary armor, which consists principally
of a thick backing of wood or other elastic material covered by metallic plates.
Extending from the extreme end of the boat down into the interior thereof is to be
placed one or more elevated tracks, on which are to be mounted one or more guns.
The nose of the boat consists of a heavy binged plate or casting which can be
swung open. The gun or guns being loaded can be moved up the track so as to
point out through the nose or stern of the boat, and can then be fired, after which
the guns are returned into the interior to be re-loaded. Directly back of the
auxiliary armor before referred to is placed a conning tower, from which the
course of the vessel is directed, and observations in action are obtained.
The commander of the vessel stands in this conning tower and can easily control
the movements of the vessel so as to always keep head on to the enemy. This
conning tower being located behind the auxiliary armor will be partly protected by
the latter. Directly back of the conning tower is or are one or more turrets for
giving entrance to the hull, and still further back is the smoke stack which is to be
protected in any suitable way.
Such a boat as I have just outlined, is particularly advantageous for the defence
of coasts and harbors for many reasons. In the first place any tow boat or steam
boat of my design such as would be used in commerce, can be quickly converted
into a war vessel at a slight expense, and with equal facility and economy, can be
re-converted into a tow boat or steam boat.
Such a war vessel by reason of its great carrying capacity can be effectively
used for the transportation of troops, coal and stores during times of war, and will
always be in a position for effective offensive and defensive work. Such a war
vessel by reason of the fact that it can be made to draw but little water can enter
road-ways, pass through channels and steam up rivers, which cannot be entered or
traversed by ordinary vessels of war by reason of their deep draft. Such a war
vessel by reason of its great carrying capacity can steam many hundreds of miles
without the necessity of replenishing its fuel, and by reason of the fact that, in an
engagement, it is to be always kept head on to the enemy, only a small com-
parative portion will be exposed to the action of fire, and this portion will be
effectively protected by the auxiliary armor, to which reference has heretofore
been made. In this way the smallest amount of exposure, with the greatest
amount of protection is obtained.
The following additions can be made:
The boat is provided with an auxiliary armor at its stern portion, which is
nlaced so as to extend a short distance below the low water line The extrome

page_text: stern consists of a heavy metallic plate, which is hinged in any suitable manner
and which resembles the nose in all respects. Suitable guns are placed on tracks
in the stern part and are to be operated and fired similar to the guns in the bow.
Directly in advance of the stern auxiliary armor is placed a heavy conning tower
which is partly protected by said auxiliary armor. One of the officers of the boat
stands in this aft conning tower and attends to the firing of the stern guns. The
proper aim of these stern guns may be accomplished in any suitable way.
Extending up from the main deck between the two conning towers, but preferably
directly in the rear of the fore conning tower, is a heavy metallic mast made
hollow and communicating with the interior of the boat. This mast carries near its
upper end an ordinary metallic crows-nest.
This crows-nest, which may be reached from the interior of the boat, through
the hollow mast, serves as a convenient station for a look-out, who may observe the
approach of any vessel, long before the hull of the boat would be seen. In this
crows-nest are to be placed machine guns which are to be operated by a portion of
the crew. By means of these machine-guns boarders may be repulsed and torpedo
boats can be effectively assailed. It will therefore be seen that the war vessel
possesses many advantages which will widen its sphere of usefulness as an effective
means for coast and harbor defence. Among these new advantages may be
enumerated the fact that shots may be effectively fired in two directions and should
one gun be disabled or one end of the boat become stove in, or one auxiliary armor
shot away, there is still another gun at the other end of the boat, which can be put
to effective use. By providing the boat with two guns, one in the bow and one in
the stern, the vessel is capable of being more rapidly manoeuvred and manipulated
than when only one gun is used. This feature is further increased when the boat
is provided with two screws.
For a better comprehension of my invention attention is directed to the
accompanying drawings, forming a part of this Specification, and in which:
Figure 1, is a perspective view of my improved war vessel;
Figure 2, a. side elevation of the same.
Figure 3, a similar view of the same, without propelling mechanism and showing
the use of the gun in the bow only.
Figure 4, a section of Figure 2, and
Figure 5, a section of a modified form.
In all of the above views corresponding parts are designated by the same letters
of reference.
A, is the hull of one of my improved steam boats. The hull of this steam boat
consists of metallic plates secured to transverse ribs, so as to form a hollow shell.
The bow of the boat, is spoon-shaped, and the stern is similarly constructed, except
that it is provided with a skeag, which facilitates steering. The hull is without
sheer, which cheapens its construction, and the deck is curved. The particular
curve of the deck, is that of an ellipsoid, but I do not wish of course to be limited
to this particular shape, although it possesses many advantages. The bottom of the
boat is rounded, although it may be flat or peaked. The sides of the boat are
parallel, both longitudinally and vertically, which also serves to cheapen the
construction of the hull. Within the bow and stern are preferably water tanks,
and the bottom part of the boat is formed into compartments. These tanks and
compartments may be filled wholly or partially with water, by which the boat may
be submerged to its proper load-water line or trimmed. By pumping this water
out of these compartments and tanks, the draft of the boat may be made very
light so that it may enter shallow water-ways and pass over bars. This facility is
particularly advantageous to a war vessel as it prevents the pursuit of men-of-war
of deep draft, and it will allow one of my improved war vessels to approach cities,
having poor harbors which may be thought secure from the attacks of such
men-of-war.
B is the engine which is placed within the boat, preferably near the central part
thereof. This engine is to be of any appropriate construction, and for protection

page_text: may be surrounded by coal bunkers in the usual way. This engine operates the
propeller which is placed at the stern either in the rear of the skeag or within the
skeag. Two propellers may be used one on each side of the skeag, or if it is desired
to secure great speed three propellers may be used.
C is a boiler or boilers placed within the hull either in the front or the rear of
the engine B.
D is an auxiliary armor placed over the bow portion of the boat, and Ę is an
auxiliary armor placed over the stern portion of the boat. Both of these armors
are similar in construction. Each consists of a heavy wooden or elastic backing
covered with metallic plates or a steel casting either in whole or in section may be
used. Each armor extends some distance below the load water-line. The auxiliary
armor at the bow is preferably thicker at its upper after end and the auxiliary
armor at its stern is thicker at its forward end.
F is a conning tower extending up from the deck directly in the rear of the
forward auxiliary armor, and G is a conning tower extending up from the deck
directly in advance of the rear auxiliary armor. By making the auxiliary armor
at the bow thicker at its after part, or, in other words, by making it inclined as
I have shown the forward conning tower will be effectively protected from the
action of shot and shell as will be understood. The aft conning tower G, will
also be protected in the same way by the auxiliary armor at the stern. By
making the auxiliary armor at the bow inclined as I have shown a very.con-
venient bulwark is offered to enable the officers and crew to walk about their
decks in safety. The extreme nose of the boat consists of a heavy hinged
plate H, adapted to be swung outwardly, and the stern consists of a similarly
hinged plate arranged the same way.
Extending down from the bow and the stern on the inside of the boat are inclined
tracks K and L, which pass into the hold. Suitable guns M and N, are mounted
on these tracks. These guns are loaded in the interior of the boat and are then
moved up the incline tracks K and L, so as to point out through the bow or stern,
after which they are fired. The guns are now returned to the hold of the boat and
are re-loaded. If it is desired, two tracks may be used at the bow, and two tracks
at the stern, so that two guns may be used at each end. These guns,are loaded and
fired alternately. The proper aim of the forward guns is effected by the officer in
the forward conning tower. This officer steers the boat so that it will point
directly at the object which is to be fired upon. The only duty of the gunner
in the interior of the hull is to effect the proper elevation, which he can do by
ordinary rules of gunnery on learning the distance which intervenes between the
guns and the object which is to be hit. The aiming of the rear gun is effected
by the officer in the rear conning tower. There may be provided an auxiliary
steering apparatus in this rear eonning tower by which the officer therein may
control the movements of the vessel, or he may give his instructions to the officer
in the fore conning tower by means of a speaking tube or otherwise.
The smoke stack from the engine passes up through the deck and is protected by
a heavy metallic turret 0.
P is a metal mast extending up from the deck to a proper height and carrying
a crows-nest Q, at its upper end. This crows-nest can be reached from the
interior of the boat by means of a metallic ladder passing up through the hollow
mast P. Machine-guns of any appropriate construction are mounted in this
crows-nest Q, and are to be operated by a portion of the crew. The crows-nest
offers a convenient point for a look-out, and men-of-war can thereby be sighted
long before the hull of my improved war vessel could be seen, by reason of the
fact that there is such a small portion of the hull out of water. The machine
guns in this crows-nest offer an effective means for preventing boarding and these
guns may also be put into use in assailing torpedo boats and for fighting in
close quarters.
In Figure 5, I have illustrated a war vessel, provided with a ram, which
further increases its functions in a very important regard. Such a ram, owing

page_text: to the great strength and rigidity which is required of it, should preferably be
formed in the construction of the vessel; that is to say, the original frames of
the boat should be so formed so as to constitute the proper shape of the tow.
In this case the war vessel would be capable of effective use only as a weapon
of defence, but it is to be understood that the said ram may be a distinct and
separate element, which can be attached in any suitable way to the bow portion
of the boat. When used as a freight carrier, and for similar purposes, the said
ram is to be removed, and the original functions and advantages of the vessel are
regained.
Dated this Fifth day of Mor A D 1809
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in War Vessels.
I, ALEXANDER MCDOUGALL, a citizen of the United States of North America,
residing at Duluth, in the County of St. Louis, and State of Minnesota, one of
said United States, aforesaid, Ship-builder, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement and accompanying
drawings:-
The war vessels to be described herein are intended to be the result of certain
additions and changes either in the barges or steamboat of which I am the
inventor, and which are now known generally as whale-back vessels.
In con-
verting one of my improved barges or steamboats into a war vessel for coast
or harbour defence, I proceed substantially as follows:
The vessel is to be first stripped of its turrets, working decks, cabins and other
super-structure so as to leave nothing but the hull and interior fixtures. On the
bow part of the boat is placed a beavy auxiliary armor, which consists principally
of a thick backing of wood or other elastic material covered by heavy metallic
plates. Extending from the extreme end of the boat down into the interior thereof
is to be placed one or more elevated tracks, on which are mounted one or more
guns. The nose of the boat consists of a heavy hinged plate or casting which can
be swung open. The gun or guns being loaded, are moved up the track, so as to
point out through the nose or stern of the boat, and are then fired. After this the
guns are returned into the hold to be re-loaded. Directly back of the auxiliary
armor before referred to is placed a conning-tower, from which the course of the
vessel is directed, and observations in action are obtained.
The commander of the vessel stands in conning-tower and can easily control the
movements of the vessel so as to always keep head on to the enemy. This conning-
tower being located behind the auxiliary armor will be partly protected by the latter.
Directly back of the conning-tower is one or more turrets for giving entrance to
the hull, and still further back is the smoke stack which is to be protected in any
suitable way.
Such a boat as I have just outlined is particularly advantageous for the defence
of coasts and harbours for many reasons. In the first place any barge or steamboat
of my design, such as would be used in commerce, can be quickly converted into a
war vessel at a slight expense, and with equal facility and economy can be
re-converted into a barge or steamboat.
Such a war vessel by reason of its great carrying capacity can be effectively
used for the transportation of troops, coal and stores during times of war, and will
always be in a position for effective, offensive and defensive work. Such a war
vessel by reason of the fact that it can be made to draw but little water, can enter
road-ways, pass through channels and steam up rivers, which cannot be entered or
traversed by ordinary vessels of war by reason of their deep draft. Such a war
vessel by reason of its great carrying capacity can steam many hundreds of miles

page_text: without the necessity of replenishing its fuel, and by reason of the fact that, in an,
engagement, it is always kept head on to the enemy, only a comparatively small
portion will be exposed to the action of fire, and this portion will be effectively
protected by auxiliary armour, to which reference has heretofore been made. In
this way the smallest amount of exposure, with the greatest amount of protection is
obtained.
In addition to the changes above refered to, the boat may be provided with an
auxiliary armor at its stern portion, which is placed so as to extend a short distance
below the load water-line. The extreme stern like the bow, may consist of a heavy
metallic plate, which is hinged in any suitable manner and which resembles the nose
in all respects. Suitable guns may be placed on tracks in the stern port, and are to
be operated and fired in the same manner as the guns in the bow. Directly in
advance of the stern auxiliary armor if used, is placed a heavy conning-tower
which is partly protected by said auxiliary armor. One of the officers of the boat
stands in this aft conning-tower and attends to the firing of the stern guns. The
proper aim of these stern guns may be accomplished in any suitable way. The-
smoke stack from the engines if a double armor used, extends up from the deck
between the two conning-towers, and will be protected by the auxiliary armor at the
bow and stern. This smoke stack is also further protected by being incased in a
heavy turret. Extending up from the main deck between the two conning-towers
but preferably directly in the rear of the fore conning-tower, is a heavy metallic mast
made hollow and communicating with the interior of the boat. This mast carries
near its upper end an ordinary metallic crows-nest. This crows-nest, which may
be reached from the interior of the boat, through the hollow mast, serves as a con--
venient station for a look out, who may observe the approach of any vessel, long
before the hull of the improved boat may be seen.
In this crows-nest are to be-
placed machine-guns which are to be operated by a portion of the crew. By
means of these machine-guns, boarders may be repulsed and torpedo boats can be
effectively assailed.
A war vessel, thus armored at the bow and stern possesses advantages which
will widen its sphere of usefulness as an effective means for coast and harbour
defence. Among the additional advantages may be enumerated the fact that shots
may be effectively fired in two directions, and should one gun be disabled or one end
of the boat become stove in, or one auxiliary armour shot away, there is still another
gun at the other end of the boat, which can be put to effective use. By providing
the boat with two guns, one in the bow and one in the stern, the vessel is capable
of being more rapidly maneuvered and manipulated than when only one gun is used.
The feature is further increased when the boat is provided with two screws.
For a
better comprehension of the various forms of my invention attention is directed to.
the accompanying drawings forming a part of this Specification and in which:
Figure 1, is a side elevation in action, of a well known whale-back steam-boat,.
converted into a war vessel, armored only at the bow.
Figure 2, a longitudinal section thereof.
Figure 3, a side elevation in action, of an ordinary whale-back barge, converted:
into a war-vessel, armored only at the bow.
Figure 4, an interior plan view of Figure 1.
Figure 5, a longitudinal sectional view, of a steam-boat converted into a war
vessel, armored at the bow and stern, and showing a ram bow.
Figure 6, a similar view of a steam-boat, converted into a war vessel, armored at
the bow and stern, and showing an ordinary wedge-shaped or cut-away bow, and
Figure 7, a perspective view, in action, of an ordinary whale-back steam-boat,.
converted into a war vessel, and armored at the bow and stern.
In all of the above views corresponding parts are designated by the same letters
of reference.
A, is the hull of one of my improved whale-back vessels. The hull of this
vessel consists of metallic plates secured in transverse ribs, so as to form a hollow
shell. The bow of the boat, is preferably spoon-shaped, (see Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7)

page_text: Within
and the stern is similarly constructed, except that it is provided with a skeag, which
facilitates steering. The hull is without sheer, which cheapens its construction,
and the deck is curved. The bottom of the boat is rounded, although (if desired)
it may be flat or peaked. The sides of the boat are parallel, both longitudinally
and vertically, which also serves to cheapen the construction of the hull.
the bow and stern are preferably water-tanks, and the bottom part of the boat is
formed into compartments. These tanks and compartments may be filled wholly
or partially with water, by which the boat may be submerged to its proper load
water-line or trimmed. By pumping this water out of these compartments and
tanks, the draft of the boat may be made very light so that it may enter shallow
water-ways and pass over bars. This facility is particularly advantageous to a
war vessel as it prevents the pursuit of men-of-war of deep draft, and it will allow
one of my improved war vessels to approach cities, having poor harbors which may
be thought secure from the attacks of such men-of-war.
B, is an engine which is placed within the boat preferably near the central part
thereof. This engine is to be of any appropriate construction, and for protection
may be surrounded by coal bunkers in the usual way. This engine operates the
propeller which is placed at the stern either in the rear of the skeag or within the
skeag. Two propellers may be used one on each side of the skeag, or if it is
desired to secure great speed, three propellers may be used.
C, is a boiler or boilers placed within the hull either in the front or the rear of
the engine B.
boat and E, is an
(See Figures 5, 6,
Each consists of a
D, is an auxiliary armor placed over the bow portion of the
auxiliary armor placed over the stern portion of the boat.
and 7.) Both of these armors are similar in construction.
heavy wooden or elastic backing covered with heavy metal plates or as a substitute
therefor, a steel casting either in whole or in section may be used. Each armor
extends some distance below the load-water line. The auxiliary armor at the bow
is preferably thicker at its upper after end and the auxiliary armor at its stern is
thicker at its forward end.
"F, is a conning-tower, extending up from the deck directly in the rear of the
forward auxiliary armor, and G, is a conning-tower extending up from the deck
directly in advance of the rear auxiliary armor. By making the auxiliary armor
at the bow thicker at its after part, or, in other words, by making it inclined as I
have shown, the forward conning-tower will be effectively protected from the action
of shot and shell as will be understood. The aft conning-tower G, will also be
protected in the same way by the auxiliary armor at the stern. By making the
auxiliary armor at the bow inclined as I have shown a very convenient bulwark is
offered to enable the officers and crew to walk about their decks in safety. The
extreme nose of the boat consists of a heavy hinged plate H, adapted to be
swung outwardly, and the stern may consist of a similar hinged plate arranged the
same way, as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7.
Extending down from the bow and the stern on the inside of the boat are
inclined tracks K, and L, which pass into the hold. Suitable guns M, and N, are
mounted on these tracks. These guns are loaded in the interior of the boat and
are then moved up the inclined track K, and L, so as to point out through the bow
or stern, after which they are fired. The guns are now returned to the hold of the
boat and are reloaded. If it is desired, two tracks may be used at the bow, and
two tracks at the stern, so that two guns may be used at each end. These guns
are loaded and fired alternately. The proper aim of the forward guns is effected
by the officer in the forward conning-tower. This officer steers the boat so that it
will point directly at the object which is to be fired upon.
The only duty of the gunner in the interior of the hull is to effect the proper
elevation, which he can do by ordinary rules of gunnery on learning the distance
which intervenes between the guns and the object which is to be hit. The aiming
of the rear gun is effected by the officer in the rear conning-tower. There may be
provided an auxiliary steering apparatus in this rear conning-tower by which the

page_text: officer therein may control the movements of the vessel, or he may give 18
instructions to the officer in the fore conning-tower by means of a speaking tube
or otherwise.
The smoke stack from the engines passes up through the deck, and is protected
by a heavy metallic turret O.
P, is a metal mast extending up from the deck to a proper height, and carrying
a crows-nest Q, at its upper end. This crows-nest can be reached from the interior
of the boat by means of a metallic ladder passing up through the hollow mast P.
Machine guns of any appropriate construction are mounted in this crows-nest Q,
and are to be operated by a portion of the crew. This crows-nest offers a
convenient point for a look-out, and men-of-war can thereby be sighted long before
the hull of my improved war vessel could be seen, by reason of the fact that there
is such a small portion of the hull out of water. The machine guns in this crows-
nest offer an effective means for preventing boarding and these guns may also be
put into use in assailing torpedo boats, and for fighting in close quarters.
In Figure 5, I have illustrated a war vessel, provided with a ram bow, which
further increases its functions in a very important regard. Such a ram bow, owing
to the great strength and rigidity which is required of it, should preferably be
formed in the construction of the vessel; that is to say, the original frames of the
boat should be so formed as to constitute the proper shape of the bow. In this
case the war vessel would be capable of effective use only as a weapon of defence,
but it is to be understood that the said ram may be a distinct and separate element,
which can be attached in any suitable way to the tow portion of the boat. When
used as a freight carrier, and for similar purposes, the said ram is to be removed,
and the original functions and advantages of the vessel are regained.
The vessel shown in Figure 6, is similar in most respects to the war boats before
referred to, differing therefrom only in the particular shape of the bow. In this
boat, I make use of an ordinary wedge-shaped or cut-away bow, instead of a spoon-
shaped bow, or a ram-bow, as described above.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 4, it will be seen that instead of providing the
vessel, with an auxiliary armor, and a gun or guns, at both the bow and stern, I
provide those elements only at the bow thereof. Such a vessel, can be fitted out
with greater dispatch, and at less cost, than a vessel having a double armor, and
under certain conditions answers every requirement, for example in the defence of
cities, where the vessels is supposed to lay to, and cover the entrance to the harbor
thereof. In Figure 3, I have illustrated an ordinary whale-back barge converted
in a war vessel, by placing an armor on the bow thereof, and in otherwise equipping
the vessel, like the forms illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4. These barges are not
provided with independent propelling mechanism, and hence it becomes necessary
to anchor the vessel, by means of cables, as shown, so that the nose of the boat
will point in the approximate direction, in which the enemy is supposed to be
approaching. By slacking out and hauling in on these cables, the proper aim of
the vessel can be conveniently and accurately effected. A war vessel of this type,
can be used with great economy, safety and effectiveness, in the defence of cities
and harbors.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
First. An improved war vessel consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary
armor, around its bow portion, substantially as described.
Second. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary
armor, around its bow and stern portions, substantially as described.
Third. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary
armor, around its bow portion, and with a conning-tower behind said auxiliary
armor and partially protected by the same, substantially as described.
Fourth. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary

page_text: :
-armor, around its bow and stern portions; with a conning-tower, behind the
auxiliary armor at the bow; and with a conning-tower, in front of the auxiliary
armor at the stern, substantially as described.
Fifth. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary
armor around its bow portion, and with a gun, adapted to be pointed out of the
nose of the vessel, and then fired, substantially as described.
Sixth. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary
armor, around its bow portion, and with a gun mounted on tracks, and adapted
to be pointed out through the nose of the vessel and then fired, substantially as
-described.
Seventh. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, having a Bose, normally
covered by a hinged plate, and provided with an auxiliary armor around its bow
portion, and with a gun, adapted to be pointed out through said nose, and then
fired, substantially as described.
Eighth. An improved war vessel, consisting of a hull, provided with an auxiliary
armor, around its bow and stern portions, and with a gun, mounted on tracks in the
bow and stern, substantially as described.
Dated this Twenty-third day of May A.D 1893
E. K. DUTTON & Co.,
5, John Dalton Street, Manchester, Agents.