The Story of the Atlantic TelegraphField, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
History
The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph
Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
Transatlantic cables
"Such are the capabilities of a single wire cable fairly and
moderately computed.
"It is, however, evident to me, that by improvements in the
arrangement of the signals themselves, aided by the adoption of
a code or system constructed upon the principles of the best
nautical code, as suggested by Dr. Whitehouse, we may at least
double the speed in the transmission of our messages.
"As to the structure of the cable itself, the last specimen
which I examined with you seemed to combine so admirably the
necessary qualities of strength, flexibility, and lightness,
with perfect insulation, that I can no longer have any
misgivings about the ease and safety with which it will be
submerged.
"In one word, the doubts are resolved, the difficulties
overcome, success is within our reach, and the great feat of
the century must shortly be accomplished.
"I would urge you, if the manufacture can be completed within
the time, (and all things are possible now,) to press forward
the good work, and not to lose the chance of laying it during
the ensuing summer.
"Before the close of the present month, I hope to be again
landed safely on the other side of the water, and I full well
know, that on all hands the inquiries of most interest with
which I shall be met, will be about the Ocean Telegraph.
"Much as I have enjoyed my European trip this year, it would
have enhanced the gratification which I have derived from it
more than I can describe to you, if on my return to America, I
could be the first bearer to my friends of the welcome
intelligence that the great work had been begun, by the
commencement of the manufacture of the cable to connect Ireland
with the line of the New York, Newfoundland, and London
Telegraph Company, now so successfully completed to St. John's.
"Respectfully, your obedient servant,
"Samuel F. B. Morse."
These experiments and others removed the doubts of scientific men.
Professor Faraday, in spite of the law of the retardation of electricity
on long circuits, which it was said he had discovered, and which would
render it impossible to work a line of such length as from Ireland to
Newfoundland, now declared his full conviction that it was within the
bounds of possibility. The passage of electricity might not be
absolutely instantaneous, or have the swiftness of the solar beam, yet
it would be rapid enough for all practical purposes. When Mr. Field
asked him how long it would take for the electricity to pass from London
to New York, he answered: "Possibly one second!"
Thus fortified by the highest scientific and engineering authorities,
the projectors of an ocean telegraph were now ready to bring it before
the British public, and to see what support could be found from the
English Government and the English people.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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