Ericsson, John (1803-1889) to Franklin Hanford
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03959.01 Author/Creator: Ericsson, John (1803-1889) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Letter signed Date: 8 December 1879 Pagination: 3 p. ; 31.8 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Comments briefly on a lecture Hanford gave. Discusses an account of a torpedo experiment he published in the Army and Navy Journal. Expresses his reluctance to have foreigners transmit information overseas. Mentions that he left out information about how the torpedo entered the water in deference to Commodore Jeffers of the Navy Department and Ordnance Office. Since the results were unfavorable, they may try more experiments and would like to keep the information quiet for now. Adds an autograph postscript at the bottom of page three where he discusses sketches and a record of the experiment. Addressed to Hanford, as Lieutenant, U. S. N., New York Navy Yard.
Ericsson, a Swedish inventor who moved to England, invented an early locomotive, the hot-air engine, and the torpedo boat. He also engineered ships and submarines and was the designer of the Civil War ship, The Monitor, which was the first modern naval war vessel.
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