first pair. Lieut. Davidson, who with the "Teaser" and her crew, has assisted me with the most hearty good will, has dragged for the tanks, but without success, they rest on the bottom. Could they be found it was my intention to raise four, examine them and if in good condition, place them lower down.
Lieut. Wm. L. Maury, assisted by Acting Master W. F. Carter, and R. Rollins, was charged with the duty of proving the tanks and packing them in casks. There are eleven others, each containing 70 pounds of powder. When tested in the barrels and found ready for use, they will be held in reserve in case of accident to those already down. A larger number was not prepared for want of powder. There are a quantity of admirably insulated wire, a number of shells for anchor or torpedoes and a sufficient quantity of chains for the wires remaining. They will be put in the navy store for safe keeping.
The galvanic batteries, viz.: 21 Wollaston and one Cruickshank (the latter loaned by Dr. [Socrates] Maupin of the University of Virginia), with spare acids are at Chaffins Bluff in charge of Acting Master Cheeney. He has also in pigs a sufficient quantity mixed to work the batteries, and ready to be poured in for use.
It is proper that I should mention to the department, in terms of commendation the ready and valuable assistance afforded by Dr. Morris, president of the Telegraph Company, and his assistance, especially Mr. Goldwell.
My duties in connection being thus closed, I have the honor to await your further orders.
Hon. S. R. Mallory,
- Secretary of the Navy, Present.
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