8472. TORPEDOES, Experiments with.—
Mr. Fulton writes to me under a great desire
to prepare a decisive experiment of his
torpedo at Washington, for the meeting of
Congress. This means of harbor-defence has
acquired such respectability, from its apparent
merit, from the attention shown it by other
nations, and from our own experiments at New
York, as to entitle it to a full experiment from
us. He asks only two workmen for one month
from us, which he estimates at $130 only. But
should it cost considerably more I should really
be for granting it, and would accordingly recommend
it to you. This sum is a mere trifle as an
encroachment on our appropriation.—
To Robert Smith. Washington ed. v, 337.
(M.
Aug. 1808)
