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THOUGHTS -- On the probable effect of this invention 20 Estimate of the Force to Attack so Formidable a Blockade Fleet 32 Manner of Arranging the Boats Until Wanted 33 First Mode of Attack 35 Second Mode of Attack 36
ON -- the imaginary inhumanity of Torpedo war 40
A VIEW -- of the political economy of this invention 43
EDITOR'S PREFACE
In view of the prominent part played in the present World War by torpedoes and submarines, the subject of our Extra No. 35 is peculiarly timely.
The original of 1810 is very scarce, only one copy having been sold at auction in many years: nor are copies to be found in any but a few of our libraries. Fulton's claims for his invention have been fully substantiated and some of his predictions, made more than a century ago, are remarkably interesting, in view of the events of the past five months. His estimate of our population in 1920 has already been exceeded in fact, and only his plan of affixing torpedoes to their prey by means of harpoons seems--for it was made in the days of wooden ships--fantastic, in these days of iron clads. He could not foresee that almost exactly a century would elapse before his invention would be extensively used--though he cautiously says "it is impossible to foresee to what degree torpedoes may be improved and rendered useful."
In the Joline collection of autograph letters, sold this month, was an extremely interesting letter of Fulton's, addressed to Gen. William Duane. A part reads:
"New York, March 1, 1813
I am happy to find you continue the firm friend to torpedoes; an infant art which requires only support and practice to produce a change in Maritime affairs of immence importance to this country. Expecting the enemy here, I have not been idle, I have prepared 9 torpedoes with locks that strike fire by concussion, and four with clockwork locks."
The letter is of great interest throughout, and tells of his plans for blowing up the enemy or driving them from New York waters, his regret that he had not enough torpedoes for the Chesapeake; and contains a list of the cost of various sorts, &c.
We regret that we could not secure permission to copy the whole of it.
TORPEDO WAR, &c.
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