Consists of seven copper wires (4) to form the conductor, a wrapping (3) of thread, soaked in tallow and pitch, several layers (2) of gutta percha, all surrounded by a protecting coat of mail (1) of twisted wires.] On August 16, 1858, the first message came over from Queen Victoria to President Buchanan of the United States, as follows: “_To the President of the United States, Washington:_ “The Queen desires to congratulate the President upon the successful completion of this great international work, in which the Queen has taken the deepest interest. “The Queen is convinced that the President will join with her in fervently hoping that the Electric Cable which now connects Great Britain with the United States will prove an additional link between the nations whose friendship is founded upon their common interest and reciprocal esteem. “The Queen has much pleasure in thus communicating with the President, and renewing to him her wishes for the prosperity of the United States.” to which the President replied as follows: “WASHINGTON CITY, Aug. 16, 1858. “_To Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain:_ “The President cordially reciprocates the congratulations of Her Majesty, the Queen, on the success of the great international enterprise accomplished by the science, skill, and indomitable energy of the two countries. It is a triumph more glorious, because far more useful to mankind, than was ever won by conqueror on the field of battle. “May the Atlantic Telegraph, under the blessing of Heaven, prove to be a bond of perpetual peace and friendship between the kindred nations, and an instrument destined by Divine Providence to diffuse religion, civilization, liberty and law throughout the world. In this view will not all nations of Christendom spontaneously unite in the declaration that it shall be forever neutral, and that its communications shall be held sacred in passing to their places of destination, even in the midst of hostilities? (Signed) “JAMES BUCHANAN.” Great rejoicing on both sides of the ocean followed, and the public print was filled with accounts of the enterprise. The following selection from the _Atlantic Monthly_ of October, 1858, is an apostrophe in lofty sentiments of verse, which to-day stirs the Twentieth Century heart as a joyous prophecy fulfilled: Thou lonely Bay of Trinity, Ye bosky shores untrod, Lean, breathless, to the white-lipped sea And hear the voice of God! From world to world His couriers fly, Thought-winged and shod with fire; The angel of His stormy sky Rides down the sunken wire. What saith the herald of the Lord? “The world’s long strife is done! Close wedded by that mystic cord, Her continents are one.