Robert Fulton and the SubmarineParsons, William Barclay
History
Robert Fulton and the Submarine
Parsons, William Barclay
Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815; Submarines (Ships)
For example. Suppose the French boats were to anchor 500 Bombs in one
night in the waters before Boulogne; where the Blockading squadern
usually cruise; some of the cruising squadern would most certainly be
blown up, and the fleet would be obliged to Keep at a greater distance.
The Bombs being anchored 6 Feet under water at low water, would admit of
row and sail boats to pass over them without danger; while vessels
drawing from 15 to 20 feet of water and running among them would be
destroyed, The french Boats passing over the Bombs or knowing the line
in which they had anchored them; could the next dark night anchor
another 500 still further out, and compel the blockading squadern to
keep at a still greater distance; In fact 1200 Bombs would lay a whole
line from Calais to Dover, allowing an interval of only 30 yards between
each, and 12,000 which would only cost 168,000 £ would lay ten lines
from Dover to Calais which would render it impossible for any Vessel to
pass without certain destruction, and thus a Blockade of the whole
Channel would be formed of which plate the 11 will give some Idea;
_Plate 11_
I have before observed that the french boats could not be prevented
depositing the bombs in this manner; Ships of war could not prevent them
Because they dare not approach where the Bombs are anchored; British
boats could not prevent them because they could not always be on the
watch; and Second because the french boats can or may be encouraged to
combat any boats whatever; And the moment this System or any other
reduces the British marine to Boat fighting, the revered Sovereignty of
the seas will be for ever lost; Colonies must be Abandoned and the whole
influence which England holds in the scale of nations will Vanish, This
is the natural and obvious consequence of this system when reduced to
practice and prosicuted by a powerful nation with energy and Spirit; Ten
lines of Instantanious Bombs or even a less number anchored in the
British channel would cut off the greater part of the commerce of London
and of England, The wealth of England and the existance of her fleets
depend on her immense and uninterrupted commerce, But should France ever
possess a means to cut off or interrupt such trade, England would be
obliged to submit to any terms which Bonapart might think proper to
dictate, I think I have here shewn that the plan described would give
him such power, Gentlemen will deliberately consider it and its
consequences consequences—
[Illustration:
PLATE THE TENTH
]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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