Chapter III: Part 3

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The transposed secret alphabet is not perfectly secure for private messages, when the message contains more than eight or ten words. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt some of the following modes of making it perfectly incomprehensible, and beyond the power of any person to decypher it. Any one or two, or more, of these modes may be selected and combined for this purpose. Let the following key or transposed alphabet, be used in illustrating the following rules:

A to R | F to X | K to U | P to E | U to K | Z to M
B Y | G B | L V | Q P | V G | & I
C Z | H T | M D | R L | W N |
D A | I W | N & | S F | X J |
E S | J C | O Q | T O | Y H |

1st. Let the last letter of a word remain unchanged, viz.
_Rome_, transposed, _lqde_.

2d. Let the first letter of a word remain unchanged, viz.
_Rome_, transposed, _rqds_.

3d. Let the first and last letter remain unchanged, viz.
_Rome_, transposed, _rqde_.

4th. Let the middle letter of a word of 5, 7, 9 or 11 letters
remain unchanged, viz. _First_, transposed, _xwrfo_, and
in words of 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 letters, let the two middle
letters remain unchanged, viz. _Rome_, transposed, _loms_.

5th. Let the first, middle, and last letters of a word remain
unchanged, viz. _first_, transposed, _fwrft_.

6th. Let the middle letter of words of 5, 7, 9, 11 or 13
letters commence the word, viz. _first_, transposed,
_lxwfo_.

7th. Let the two middle letters of a word of 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12
letters commence the word, viz. _Rome_ transposed, _qdls_.

8th. In a word of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 letters, let the first
half of the word be substituted for the last half, viz.
_Rome_, transposed, _dslq_.

9th. Let every other entire word be reversed, viz. _What is
the news_, transposed, _ntro fw ots fns_ &.

10th. Let every third word be reversed.

11th. Let every fourth word be reversed.

12th. Let every fifth word be reversed.

13th. Let the three middle letters of every word of 5, 7, 9,
11 or 13 letters be reversed, viz. _first_, transposed,
_xflwo_.

14th. Let every word of two or three letters be prefixed to
the beginning of the following word, or affixed to the end
of the preceding word, viz, _State of Maine_, transposed,
_forosqx drw&s_.

15th. Let one, where double letters occur in a word, be
excluded, viz. _will_ transposed, _nwv_.

16th. Where two or more words, of two or three letters, follow
each other, let them be joined together, viz. _Cotton is
on the rise_, transposed, _zqoq& wfq&ots lwfs_.

17th. Make no separation between words of less than eight
letters, viz. _Cotton is on the rise_, transposed,
_zqoq&wfq&otslwfs_.

18th. Make no separation between words.

19th. Reverse the order of the letters of the whole message,
viz. _Cotton is on the rise_, transposed and reversed,
_sfwl sto &q fw &qoqz_.

20th. Change the key, alternately, every ten or fifteen words,
using two keys.

21st. Let the two first letters of all words of four letters
be affixed to the end of the preceding word, and the
remaining two letters be prefixed to the word following,
viz. _stocks have fallen_, transposed, _foqzuftr gsxrvs&_.

22d. Change the key irregularly, thus, for example, the first
three words transpose from one key; the next three words from
another key; the next three from another key, and so on.

23d. Reverse the termination of those words ending with _tion_,
_sion_, _ness_, _less_, _tive_, _ty_, _ly_, _ed_, &c.

24th. Make a division of long words into two.

25th. Let those words which occur frequently and have only two
or three letters remain unchanged, viz. _to_, _a_, _the_,
_of_, _and_, _for_, _with_, &c.

26th. Let every two words, or every three, or every four, be
reversed.

27th. Omit one vowel in every word.

28th. Omit the letter _e_ at the beginning and end of a word.

29th. Omit the letter _i_ or _y_ at the beginning and end of a
word.

30th. Omit the letter _o_ at the beginning and end of a word.

31st. In words of 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 letters, let the first of
the two middle letters commence the word, and the last of
the two middle letters end the word.

32d. Let _t_ signify _the_; _e_ for _of the_; _f_ for _of_;
_u_ for _you_; _wi_ for _with_; _i_ for _by_; _tt_ for
_that_; _ts_ for _this_; _fr_ for _from_; _n_ for _no_
or _not_; _w_ for _will_; _td_ for _to-day_; _tm_ for
_to-morrow_; _s_ for _was_; _sh_ for _shall_; _wd_ for
_would_; _sd_ for _should_; _cd_ for _could_; _te_ for _to
the_.

We have here given a few of the various modes, by which a message can be made so complicated, that no clue will be given that shall enable the inquisitive to decypher it. Others may be easily devised, and as it is better that those using the secret alphabet should devise their own modes of transposition and reversion, none others need be given.

The following is written from the secret alphabet, and afterwards rendered more obscure by one of the methods laid down above. The key does not accompany it. Who can decypher it?

zbpvp yslup nbguxpyu zbyi, lovmy-&-yux gxp, zlegvt
lovappai lubyizlvji hozovpsg zplup cbynb zbvloxbgm _the_
jpgvizl nlep ibgm izgua zlnvlvlcu _the_ inypvnp lhlov
xmlvyloi mgua, _the_ pnpuzvyn wmgrhzb gzhmgibpili’pv
_the_ itjcbpu _the_ gypagvlpui _and the_ izlveyi byxbwj
wlma yu & puzyla _and_ iovsguyux ilymulc wlci, giowkpnzl
_the_ bvegu cymicyhzpv zbgu zbloxbz zb’ yuzpurp _and_
iowzmp. Zlal egu’i wyayux hmypi gmlux _the_ cyop. Lmazyep
yinlufopvpa, ayizgunpyi l’ pvbvlcu, _and_ ul&g rpewmy
klyui _the_ zlvyarlup. Hgep ibgmwp byicblip ipgvnbyux eyua
byixy&pu. Zlegu _the_ slcpvzl oip _the_ hyvp _of_ bpg&pu,
_and the_ lmahgwmpi, cbynbyu mpxpuai voulh bgvpiyux
_the_ blvipi _of the_ iou, sppeulc ulhgwmpi, iyunp, elvp
cluavloihgv, bpjltpi _the_ myxbzuyux zlbyi vgsya ngv;
pgepibgmwp byi; _and_ cbpuyu hozovp agji sbymlilsbj
bpveluvepuz ibymgyzp zlzbip cblwlmapiz mgci, luth eigep
zgwmpz cyzblov hvgulmyu’i ugep zbyup, elvip, yuwmgryux
nbgvgnzpvi ibgmhmgep.

The following is from another key.

grvlvhmz agcxv hrvy _all the_ zacyavzwe rexzgvlcekz,
gvmarcyohc gradevn neelz; rmqcyogrvcl cycgcmgvn, grvclredt
dmyokmova ndgrvcl blvxmzeylt, srlcaz, ovexvglt, xvncacyv,
olmxml, rczgelt, _all were_ gmkorgi ndmgcy, _they_ zmcdvn
_in the_ adcknz, bmlmueqv _the_ qkdoml; _and they_ dvgbmd
mgth ekgxezg. Lex grvcl zkudexv umbwa bohnvgmarvn dvmqvz
hrcar xvy _were to_ gmwvks hcgrolvmg lvzsvag, ukghrcar
_they were not_ sulxcgvnt opknov, yehvqvlt greyoi
sarmyovn, ovycqz odelcozi nxmwcyo cyzvdb kynvlzgen _by
the_ xmyt; _and_ mbgvl rmqcyo zemlvn _to the_ vgrvlvmd
lvocyzo fzacvyav _in_ elnvl grvlv _to_ zuciv _the_ glqt
gr _in_ rvlrcorvzg lvglvmgz, _it_ vxsdetz, cgsehvl _in_
mzalgmcycyo _the_ hmtumaw, _to_ vrnlgr _and in_ mslemarcyo
odezvdt _to us_ grmgi txmt zreh _us the_ lekgv _it has_
glmqvdvn, _and the_ zvalvgz _it has_ glmqvdvn, _and the_
zvalvgz _it has_ ncx aeqvlvn, ukg, cbzkar isye hthemdxezg
kycqvlzmd gvynvyat _of the_ rkxmy zaev yavz _it was_
vgvl _the_ nczgcyagcqv armlmayvlczgca _of_ glkv zacvyavz
amynczsvyzv _with the_ svesdv _as the_ svesdv _as the_
svesdv nczsvyzv _with them_; glkvgrvedeotey the aeyglmlt,
rmzyvn _of the_ svezdvmz _the_ svesdv rmqvv frvl zrvokmlnz
grvcl lvdcocey; _and_ grvcl lvdocey, _in_ cgzgklx, okmlnz
rvl _he to_ grvx hrvy grvedeot dmyokczrvz, _and_ nevzyeg
zsvmwtogrvx; _he to_ rvlhrvg _the_ lvdcocey _of the_
arklarvz yvodvag rvl _and_ avmzvz _to_ vzgvoxrvl; hvxkzg
grvyzv _to it_. uegrey rvlmaekyg _and_ eygrvclz, grmgzrv
zsvmwz _to them_ rvmlz _them_ zgkncvz _in_ lvbvlvyav _to
them and_ wvsz grvcl zarcedz esvymz eklgvxsdvz mlv.

Another example of the manner of writing secret correspondence is here given, and for those to decypher who can.

ibeg pycydc peocyenxez yndexc tcacbp bepkpaetzo
pcpcgkocevd pqzpeuw bpwuaqy iatdd pctpcawu uyyc elgcvkwl
tytp wlwlxgy ppe kepcuwnc ptkeb badokecy in vkqunwac
wuatza qodazw prvsaue tpeoebztqg ckphvkwv epgyecp wzqv
adyge zcgtey eppd wubk prozlwy pwzopwzieydt. tytp wzqv
tytp qznokw ptpcawu yclep tcbbcg epdptp tytzenncyp ywzpw
lccypetglydcn ezwgo eppd igwdc czgt tbzwp lhzuczpowxck,
acktepzgh tvkextpc aeptveg jezpcktncw epcgh gwvcncxc
cgbtpy iatdd pvgcvcw itgzcxch qkcczn zwkkepcpwgc
pzuczpowxck tzckptutzo pwcytmp, eppd ypepcb zoypdt _in_
lceppd pypvw watbc, in tpykpeptwzpkezyvw beyawkcyzwvnczac
jiyzc, in geozwp dkqwy lqphyne txnled ppkeztuyytwz cucye
zoypdt wodpdk ezdpwck tquucn; jeppd etquucn lcqozwtzo
pwvkextpe tzntntxqegy jawzwkpgcn pvkextpc xictyj kypytzpc.

Another plan for sending secret intelligence, is, that of using select sentences, previously agreed upon by correspondents. In this plan, the first letter of each word in the sentence, combined, is made the representative of that sentence, as in the following examples:

iwrom I will return on Monday.
mhii My health is improving.
shf Stocks have fallen.
smtbop Send me ten barrels of pork.
ymir Your message is received.
dygml Did you get my letter?
gmlt Give my love to.
witsotmf What is the state of the market for?
cha Cotton has advanced.
cwycit Call when you come in town.
sosn Sails on Saturday next.
hjaip Has just arrived in port.
hyfmo Have you filled my order?
wmietg When may I expect the goods?
wyegfef Will you exchange gold for eastern funds?

Another arrangement, equally adapted to the same purpose as the last, is that of taking the first letter of the sentences, then arranging them in alphabetical order, and numbering them, thus:

a. 1. At five o’clock I leave for home.
a. 2. A thunder storm is rising in the west.
c. 1. Can you send me?
c. 2. Cotton has advanced a little to-day.
h. 1. How much have stocks fallen?
h. 2. Have you received my last package?
h. 3. Has the rain done much damage?
t. 1. The weather is excessively hot.
t. 2. There is no demand for tobacco.
t. 3. Take all they have at that price.
t. 4. The Eliza sails to-morrow with full cargo.
t. 5. The steamer Caledonia has just arrived.
w. 1. What news does she bring?
w. 2. What is the state of the market for sugar?

These two systems have been found to answer in practice, and were much used in telegraphic business during the last session of Congress.

[From Silliman’s Journal.]

ART. XVI. _Experiments made with one hundred
pairs of Grove’s battery, passing through one
hundred and sixty miles of insulated wire_; in a
letter from Prof. S. F. B. Morse, to the Editors,
dated New York, Sept. 4th, 1843.

Dear Sirs—On the 8th of August, having completed my
preparations of 160 miles of copper wire for the Electro
Magnetic Telegraph, which I am constructing for the
government, I invited several scientific friends to witness
some experiments in verification of the law of Lenz, of
the action of galvanic electricity through wires of great
lengths. I put in action a cup battery of one hundred
pairs, which I had constructed, based on the excellent plan
of Prof. Grove, but with some modifications of my own,
economising the platinum. The wire was reeled upon eighty
reels, containing two miles upon each reel, so that any
length, from two to one hundred and sixty miles, could be
made at pleasure to constitute the circuit. My first trial
of the battery was through the entire length of 160 miles,
making of course a circuit of 80 miles, and the magnetism
induced in my electro magnet,[10] which formed a part of the
circuit, was sufficient to move with great strength, my
telegraphic lever. Even forty-eight cups produced action in
the lever, but not so promptly or surely.

We then commenced a series of experiments upon
decomposition, at various distances. The battery alone (100
pairs) gave, in the measuring gauge in one minute, 5.20
inches of gas. When four miles of wire were interposed, the
result was 1.20 inches; ten miles of wire, .57; 20 miles,
.30 inches; 50 miles, .094. The results obtained from a
battery of 100 pairs are projected in the following curve:

[10] In Prof. Daniel’s, Introduction to the Study of Chemical Philosophy, 2d edition, 1843, there are these facts to be noticed. In the preface, there are these words: “It only remains for me now, to acknowledge my obligations to my friends and colleagues, _Professor Wheatstone_ and Dr. Todd, for their great kindness in undergoing the disagreeable labour of revising and correcting the proof sheets. They have thereby prevented many errors which would have otherwise deformed the work.”

No statement then of Prof. Daniel’s, particularly in that part of his work which related especially to Wheatstone’s Telegraph, would be allowed to pass unnoticed by Mr. Wheatstone and we are authorized in considering any such statement as having his sanction.

We then find, page 576, the following statement: “Ingenious as Prof. Wheatstone’s, contrivances are, they would have been of no avail for telegraphic purposes, without the investigation which he was the first to make of the laws of electro magnets, when acted on through great lengths of wire. _Electro magnets of the greatest power, even when the most energetic batteries are employed, utterly cease to act when they are connected by considerable lengths of wire with the battery._”

If any thing were needed to show that Prof. Wheatstone was not the inventor of the _Electro Magnetic Telegraph_, it is this assertion (under the supervision of Prof. Wheatstone) made by Prof. Daniel. In 1843, Prof. Wheatstone had not made the discovery upon which Prof. Morse bases his invention, viz. that _Electro Magnets can be made to act, with an inconsiderable battery too, when the latter is connected with the former by considerable lengths of wire_: 80 miles may certainly be considered as of _considerable length_.

_Table constructed from the Curve._

Battery alone 5.20 inches.
1 mile 3.85 “
2 “ 2.62 “
3 “ 1.84 “
4 “ 1.20 “
5 “ 1.05 “
6 “ .92 “
7 “ .80 “
8 “ .71 “
9 “ .64 “
10 “ .57 “
20 “ .30 “
30 “ .20 “
40 “ .14 “
50 “ .094 “

During the previous summer, I made the following
experiments, upon a line of 33 miles, of number 17 copper
wire, with a battery of 50 pairs. In this case, I used a
small steelyard, with weights, with which I was enabled to
weigh, with a good degree of accuracy, the greater magnetic
forces, but not the lesser, yet sufficiently approximating
the recent results to confirm the law in question.

_Table of Results._

50 pairs through 2 miles attracted and raised 9 ozs.
“ 4 “ “ “ 4 “
“ 6 “ “ “ 3 “
“ 8 “ “ “ 2½ “
“ 10 “ “ “ 2¼ “
“ 12 “ “ “ ⅛ “
“ 14 “ “ “ ⅛ “

and each successive addition of two miles, up to 33,
still gave an attractive and lifting power of one-eighth
of an ounce.

_Curve from these Results._

A great irregularity is seen between the 10th
and 12th miles, which is due, undoubtedly, to a
deficiency of accuracy in the weighing apparatus.
I take pleasure in sending you the following
calculation of the law of the conducting power of
wires, for which I am indebted to my friend Prof.
Draper, of the New York City University.

_On the Law of the Conducting Power of Wires. By John W. Draper, M. D. &c. &c._]

It has been objected, that if the conducting power of
wires, for electricity was inversely as their length, and
directly as their section, the transmission of telegraphic
signals, through long wires, could not be carried into
effect, and even the galvanic multiplier, which consists,
essentially, of a wire making several convolutions round a
needle, could have no existence. This last objection was
first brought forward by Prof. Ritchie, of the University
of London, as an absolute proof, that the law referred to
is incorrect. There is, however, an exceedingly simple
method of proving that signals may be despatched through
very long wires, and that the galvanic multiplier, so far
from controverting the law in question, depends for its very
existence upon it.

Assuming the truth of the law of Lenz, the _quantities_ of
electricity which can be urged by a constant electromotoric
source through a series of wires, the lengths of which
constitute an arithmetical ratio, will always be in a
geometrical ratio. Now the curve whose ordinates and
abscissas bear this relation to each other, is the
logarithmic curve whose equation is _aʸ_ = _x_.

1st. If we suppose the base of the system, which the curve
under discussion represents, be greater than unity, the
values of _y_ taken between _x = 0_, and _x = 1_, must be
all negative.

2d. By taking _y = 0_, we find that the curve will
intersect the axis of the _x_’s, at a distance from the
origin, equal to unity.

3d. By making _x = 0_, we find _y_ to be infinite and
negative. Now, these are the properties of the logarithmic
curve, which furnish an explanation of the case in hand.
Assuming that the _x_’s represent the quantities of
electricity, and the _y_’s the lengths of the wires, we
perceive at once, that those parts of the curve which we
have to consider, lie wholly in the fourth quadrant, where
the abscissas are positive and the ordinates negative.
When, therefore, the battery current passes without the
intervention of any obstructing wire, its value is equal to
unity. But, as successive lengths of wire are continually
added, the quantities of electricity passing, undergo a
diminution, at first rapid, and then more and more slow.
And it is not until the wire becomes infinitely long that
it ceases to conduct at all; for the ordinate _y_, when _x
= 0_, is an asymptote to the curve. In point of practice,
therefore, when a certain limit is reached, the diminution
of the intensity of the forces becomes _very small_,
whilst the increase in the lengths of the wire is vastly
great. It is, therefore, possible to conceive a wire to
be a million times as long as another, and yet, the two
shall transmit quantities of electricity not perceptibly
different, when measured by a delicate galvanometer. But,
under these circumstances, if the long wire be coiled, so
as to act as a multiplier, its influence on the needle
will be inexpressibly greater than the one so much shorter
than it. Further, from this we gather that for telegraphic
despatches, with a battery of given electromotoric power,
when a certain distance is reached, the diminution of effect
for an increased distance becomes inappreciable.

THE GALVANOMETER OR GALVANOSCOPE.

This useful instrument, the invention of which is based upon Oersted’s discovery of the deflection of the magnetic needle, by the action of conducting wires conveying galvanic currents, seems to have furnished to most of the inventors of telegraphs, the main spring of communication. It was a very natural suggestion, as being the most convenient and ready mode of obtaining the required motion, by making and breaking the galvanic circuit. Thus Steinheil, Wheatstone and Bain have availed themselves of this _one idea_ to effect that part of the telegraphic operation which may be called the _galvanic_, in contradistinction to the _mechanical_ parts, which last have varied considerably with different operators. The construction and operation of the galvanometer may be understood by reference to the figures 27, 28, 29. A A, fig. 28, are two long coils of covered copper wire, a side view of which is shown in fig. 27. These coils are connected with the binding screws, L L, attached to the frame, or box, holding the coils. Two coils are used for the convenience of allowing the pivot sustaining the magnetic needle to pass between them; one coil might be used, by leaving room enough between the wires for a socket for the pivot, but the arrangement, represented, is the most readily constructed. A side view of the instrument, figure 27, shows the arrangement of the needles, two of them being generally used to increase the operation of deflection, and to neutralize the influence of the earth’s magnetism. The pair of needles is usually denominated, an _astatic_ needle, or a needle without directive power; as the current traversing a conducting wire gives different directions to needles placed above and below the wire, the action upon the two needles thus placed is combined, by arranging their poles in opposite directions. When the current is in the direction indicated by the arrows in figure 27, the north pole of the needle, within the coil, is carried in a direction from you, as you face the drawing, and the north pole, without the coil, in a contrary direction. The operation upon the south pole is the reverse. Changing the direction of the galvanic current, reverses the motions. It is usual to apply the force of torsion, or of a _hair_ spring, or of the superior weight of one extremity of the needle, to act against the deflective force of the current, and to attach a graduated scale to the instrument, fixing it between the uppermost needle and the coils as in figure 29. Instead of deflecting the needle, the coils themselves may be deflected, as in the galvanoscope of Prof. Page, invented in January, 1837, and described by him in the 33d vol. of Silliman’s Journal, page 376. The object of this contrivance was to enable him to use powerful magnets and lighter coils. This modification of the galvanoscope, Mr. Bain has preferred as the means of operating his telegraph.

_An Interesting Experiment of Supporting a Large Bar of Iron within the Helix. Discovered by Mr. Vail, January, 1844._

It has been shown, many years since, that a magnetic needle would be drawn into and suspended within a helix, conveying a galvanic current, and that in the case of using large bar magnets, the coils or helices might be made to move over them, as in De La Rives’s rings; but in no instance, I believe, has it been recorded, or observed, that a bar of iron weighing a pound or more, could be drawn up into the helix and there sustained in the air, as it were, without support. If the helix, as shown in figure 30, be connected with from 6 to 12 pairs of Grove’s battery, the bar may be drawn up into its centre and there sustained in a vertical position by the action of the helix, forming an exceedingly interesting and paradoxical experiment.

[From the National Intelligencer.]

APPLICATION OF THE ELECTRO MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH TO THE DETERMINATION OF LONGITUDE.

Among the wonderful developements of the new telegraph, one has just came to light which will be regarded in the world of science as deeply interesting. Prof. Morse suggested to the distinguished Arago, in 1839, that the electro magnetic telegraph would be the means of determining the difference of longitude between places with an accuracy hitherto unattainable. By the following letter from Capt. Charles Wilkes to Prof. Morse, it will be believed that the first experiment of the kind of which we have any knowledge, has resulted in the fulfilment of the Professor’s prediction.

WASHINGTON, _June 13, 1844_.
MY DEAR SIR—The interesting experiments for
obtaining the difference of longitude through your magnetic
telegraph were finished yesterday and have proved very
satisfactory. They resulted in placing the Battle Monument
square, Baltimore, 1 _m_, .34 sec. .868 east, of the
capitol. The time of the two places was carefully obtained
by transit observations. The comparisons were made through
chronometers and without any difficulty. They were had in
three days, and their accuracy proved in the intervals
marked and recorded at both places. I have adopted the
results of the last day’s observations and comparisons,
from the elapsed time having been less.

The difference of the former results, found in the
American Almanac, is .732 of a second. After these
experiments, I am well satisfied that your telegraph offers
the means for determining meridian distances more accurately
than was before within the power of instruments and observers.

Accept my thanks, and those of Lieutenant Eld, for
yourself and Mr. Vail, for your kindness and attention in
affording us the facilities to obtain these results. With
great respect and esteem, your friend,
CHARLES WILKES.
Professor S. F. B. MORSE,
_Capitol, Washington_.

MODE OF CROSSING BROAD RIVERS, OR OTHER BODIES OF WATER, WITHOUT WIRES.

The following extract from Professor Morse’s letter to the Secretary of the Treasury, and by him submitted to the House of Representatives, Dec. 23, 1844, in relation to this interesting subject, will sufficiently illustrate it:

“In the autumn of 1842, at the request of the American Institute, I undertook to give to the public in New York a demonstration of the practicability of my telegraph, by connecting Governor’s Island with Castle Garden, a distance of a mile; and for this purpose I laid my wires properly insulated beneath the water. I had scarcely begun to operate, and had received but two or three characters, when my intentions were frustrated by the accidental destruction of a part of my conductors by a vessel, which drew them up on her anchor, and cut them off. In the moments of mortification, I immediately devised, a plan for avoiding such an accident in future, by so arranging my wires along the banks of the river as to cause the water itself to conduct the electricity across. The experiment, however, was deferred till I arrived in Washington; and on December 16, 1842, I tested my arrangement across the canal, and with success. The simple fact was then ascertained, that electricity could be made to cross a river without other conductors than the water itself; but it was not until the last autumn that I had the leisure to make a series of experiments to ascertain the law of its passage. The following diagram will serve to explain the experiment.

A, B, C, D, are the banks of the river; N, P, are the battery; E is the electro magnet; _w w_, are the wires along the banks, connecting with copper plates, _f_, _g_, _h_, _i_, which are placed in the water. When this arrangement is complete, the electricity, generated by the battery, passes from the positive pole, P, to the plate _h_, across the river through the water to plate _i_, and thence around the coil of the magnet, E, to plate _f_, across the river again to plate _g_, and thence to the other pole of the battery, N. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, indicate the distance along the bank measured by the number of times of the distance across the river.

The distance across the canal is 80 feet; on August 24th, the following were the results of the experiment.

---------------------+-------+--------+------+-------+-------+--------
No. of the | 1st. | 2d. | 3d. | 4th. | 5th. | 6th.
experiment, | | | | | |
---------------------+-------+--------+------+-------+-------+--------
No. of cups in | | | | | |
battery, | 14 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 7
Length of conductors,| | | | | |
_w_, _w_, | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 300 | 200
Degrees of motion of | | | | | |
galvanometer, |32 & 24|13½ & 4½| 1 & 1|24 & 13|29 & 21|21½ & 15
Size of the copper | | | | | |
plates | | | | | |
_f_, _g_, _h_, _i_, |5 by 2½|16 by 18|6 by 5|5 by 2½|5 by 2½| 5 by 2½
| ft.| in.| in.| ft.| ft.| ft.
---------------------+-------+--------+------+-------+-------+--------

Showing that electricity crosses the river, and _in quantity in proportion to the size of the plates in the water._ The _distance of the plates on the same side_ of the river _from each other_ also affects the result. Having ascertained the general fact, I was desirous of discovering the best practical distance at which to place my copper plates, and not having the leisure myself, I requested my friend Professor Gale to make the experiments for me. I subjoin his letter and the results.

NEW YORK, _November_ 5th, 1844.
MY DEAR SIR—I send you, herewith, a copy of
a series of results, obtained with four different sized
plates, as conductors to be used in crossing rivers. The
batteries used were six cups of your smallest size, and
one liquid used for the same throughout. I made several
other series of experiments, but these I most rely on for
uniformity and accuracy. You will see, from inspecting the
table, that the distance along the shores should be _three
times greater_ than that from shore to shore across the
stream; at least, that four times the distance does not
give any increase of power. I intend to repeat all these
experiments under more favorable circumstances, and will
communicate to you the results.
Very respectfully,
L. D. GALE.

Professor S. F. B. MORSE,
_Superintendent of Telegraphs_.

Series of Experiments on four different sizes of plates,
to wit: 1st, 56 square inches; 2d, 28 square inches; 3d,
14 square inches; and 4th, 7 square inches.

_Experiment 1st.—Surface of one face of the copper plate,
56 square inches; battery, Morse’s
smallest, 6 cups._

NOTE.—In all the experiments,
_f_ and _g_ are stationary.
--------+--------+---------+---------+------+------+------+------
Distance| | | | | | |
from |Distance| | | | | |
bank | along | 1st | 2d | 3d | 4th | 5th | 6th
to bank.| shore | Trial. | Trial. |Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.
--------+--------+---------+---------+------+------+------+------
1 | 1 | 22° | 23° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 22°
--------+--------+---------+---------+------+------+------+-------
1 | 2 | 31 | 32 | 31½ | 31 | 31 | 31
--------+--------+---------+---------+------+------+------+-------
1 | 3 | 36 | 36 | 35½ | 35 | 35 | 35
--------+--------+---------+---------+------+------+------+-------
1 | 4 | 36 scant| 36 scant| 34½ | 34 | 34 | 34
--------+--------+---------+---------+------+------+------+-------

_Experiment 2d.--Plates 28 square inches,
conducted as above._
--------+--------+-------+-------+-------+-------+----------+-------
Distance| | | | | | |
from |Distance| | | | | |
bank | along | 1st | 2d | 3d | 4th | 5th | 6th
to bank.| shore | Trial.| Trial.| Trial.| Trial.| Trial. | Trial.
--------+--------+-------+-------+-------+-------+----------+-------
1 | 1 | 18° | 17° | 17° | 17° | 17° | 17°
--------+--------+-------+-------+-------+-------+----------+-------
1 | 2 | 27 | 26 | 27½ | 27½ | 27½ | 27
--------+--------+-------+-------+-------+-------+----------+-------
1 | 3 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31
--------+--------+-------+-------+-------+-------+----------+-------
1 | 4 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 scant.| 31
--------+--------+-------+-------+-------+-------+----------+-------

_Experiment 3d.--Plates 14 square inches,
conducted as No. 1._
-------------+-----------+------+------+------+------+------+------
Distance from| Distance | 1st | 2d | 3d | 4th | 5th | 6th
bank to bank.|along shore|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.
-------------+-----------+------+------+------+------+------+------
1 | 1 | 8° | 8½° | 8½ | 8° | 8° | 8°
1 | 2 | 19½ | 20 | 19½ | 19 | 19 | 19
1 | 3 | 23½ | 23½ | 23½ | 23½ | 23½ | 23½
1 | 4 | 24½ | 24½ | 23½ | 23½ | 23½ | 23½
-------------+-----------+------+------+------+------+------+------

_Experiment 4th.--Plates 7 square inches,
conducted as No. 1._
-------------+-----------+------+------+------+------+------+------
Distance from| Distance | 1st | 2d | 3d | 4th | 5th | 6th
bank to bank.|along shore|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.|Trial.
-------------+-----------+------+------+------+------+------+------
1 | 1 | 5° | 5° | 5° | 5° | 3° | 3°
1 | 2 | 15 | 14½ | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12
1 | 3 | 17½ | 18 | 17½ | 17½ | 18 | 17
1 | 4 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17½ | 17½ | 17
-------------+-----------+------+------+------+------+------+------

The distance from bank to bank, 30 inches. Depth of water,
12 inches. In experiment 4, the liquor of the batteries was
very weak, exhausted towards the last; and in trials 5 and
6, the irregularities are to be attributed in part to the
weak liquor, and in part to the twilight hour at which the
experiments were made.

As the result of these experiments, it would seem that there may be situations in which the arrangements I have made for passing electricity across the rivers may be useful, although experience alone can determine whether lofty spars, on which the wires may be suspended, erected in the rivers, may not be deemed the most practical. The experiments made were but for a short distance; in which, however, the principle was fully proved to be correct. It has been applied under the direction of my able assistants, Messrs. Vail and Rogers, across the Susquehanna river, at Havre-de-Grace, with complete success; a distance of nearly a mile.

TELEGRAPHIC CHESS PLAYING

In order to give some idea of the accuracy with which the telegraph transmits intelligence, we here give two games of chess, as played by distinguished gentlemen in Baltimore and in Washington. The two games are selected from the seven played. The number of moves made in playing the seven games, were 686, and were transmitted without a single mistake or interruption. The Baltimoreans played with the white pieces, placed on numbers 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, and 64, figure 32. They were commenced November 16th, 1844. B, Baltimore; W, Washington.

_First Game of Chess._

W 12 to 28
B 53 “ 37
W 6 “ 30
B 51 “ 46
W 7 “ 22
B 52 “ 36
W 28 “ 36
B 46 “ 36
W 30 “ 18
B 63 “ 46
W 13 “ 20
B 56 “ 41
W 9 “ 24
B 58 “ 43
W castles
B 59 to 45
W 14 “ 19
B 45 “ 51
W 3 “ 21
B 61 “ 45
W 22 “ 5
B 55 “ 39
W 2 “ 17
B 49 “ 48
W 19 “ 30
B 36 “ 29
W 21 “ 13
B 39 “ 26
W 11 to 29
B 26 “ 24
W 10 “ 23
B 62 “ 26
W 4 “ 3
B 43 “ 40
W 30 “ 35
B 45 “ 42
W 7 “ 9
B 40 “ 23
W 5 “ 14
B 23 “ 6
W 3 “ 6
B castles
60 to 62
& 64 “ 61
W 17 to 30
B 26 “ 38
W 14 “ 5
B 57 “ 58
W 30 “ 45c
B 51 “ 45
W 35 “ 45
B 42 “ 23c
W 9 “ 8
B 61 “ 52
W 27 “ 37
B 24 “ 9
B 18 “ 36
B 23 “ 7
W gives up.

_Second Game._

B 52 to 36
W 11 “ 27
B 62 “ 38
W 13 “ 20
B 53 “ 44
W 7 “ 22
B 51 “ 35
W 12 “ 21
B 59 “ 45
W 14 to 19
B 49 “ 48
W 9 “ 24
B 56 “ 40
W 10 “ 23
B 58 “ 43
W 2 “ 13
B 63 “ 46
W 4 “ 14
B 50 to 34
W 21 “ 28
B 36 “ 28
W 20 “ 28
B 38 “ 42
W 22 “ 25
B 42 “ 56
W 6 “ 20
B 43 “ 52
W 14 to 4
B 45 “ 27
W castles
B 27 “ 21c
W 7 “ 8
B 61 “ 39
W 13 “ 22
B 39 “ 41
W 3 “ 21
B 41 to 21
W 6 “ 5
B 21 “ 11
W 4 “ 45
B 64 “ 62
W 1 “ 4
B 52 “ 37
W 22 “ 37
B 46 “ 37
W 45 “ 37
B castles
W 4 to 2
B 62 “ 61
W 37 “ 27
B 11 “ 14
W 5 “ 3
B 14 “ 12
W 27 “ 6
B 12 “ 21
W 6 “ 5
B 3l “ 39
W 25 “ 22
B 39 to 53
W 3 “ 4
B 35 “ 30
W 4 “ 61
B 59 “ 61
W 24 “ 25
B 44 “ 37
W 22 “ 39
B 56 “ 42
W 2 “ 4
B 61 “ 60
W 5 “ 13
B 53 “ 35
W 39 “ 24
B 58 “ 57
W 13 “ 52
B 54 “ 43
W 8 “ 9
B 35 “ 21
W 52 “ 13
B 21 “ 47
W 13 “ 12
B 42 to 54
W 4 “ 52
B 57 “ 58
W 12 “ 13
B 48 “ 33
W 52 “ 45
B 47 “ 51
W 24 “ 11
B 60 “ 63
W 16 “ 17
B 63 “ 62
W 10 “ 24
B 62 “ 60
W 11 “ 4
B 54 “ 42
W 45 “ 52
B 51 “ 46
W 52 “ 45
B 46 “ 64
W 13 “ 36c
B 64 “ 36
W 28 “ 36
B 42 to 54
W 4 “ 21
B 55 “ 42
W 45 “ 47
B 43 “ 38
W 47 “ 34
B 38 “ 27
W 23 “ 27
B 37 “ 27
W 21 “ 30
B 42 “ 39
W 25 “ 39
B 54 “ 42
W 24 “ 44c
B 58 “ 57
W 30 “ 37
B 42 “ 28
W 37 “ 54c
B 57 “ 55
W 54 “ 45
B gives up.

_Improvement in the Magneto Electric Machine, and Application of this Instrument to operate the Magnetic Telegraph._

The magneto electric machine was originally contrived by Mr. Saxton, soon after the announcement of the interesting discovery of Faraday, that magnetism was capable of exciting electricity. The conditions necessary for obtaining electricity in this way were, chiefly, the disturbance of magnetic forces in a bar of soft iron surrounded by coils of wire. A number of mechanical contrivances were resorted to, in order to effect this disturbance, by causing the bar of iron, thus surrounded, to approach to and recede from the poles of powerful magnets; but the ingenuity of Mr. Saxton far exceeded them all, by giving to the coils and enclosed bar a rotary movement about the poles of a U-form magnet. This instrument afforded bright sparks and strong shocks; but the currents of electricity thus obtained could not be converted to any useful purpose, as, in each half revolution of the coils, the currents were in opposite directions. In 1838, Professor Page published in Silliman’s Journal an account of an improved form of the machine, doing away with many existing objections, and furthermore rendering it at once a useful instrument, by a contrivance for conducting these opposing currents into one channel or direction, which part of the contrivance was called the _unitrep_. The current produced in this way was capable of performing the work to a certain extent, of the power developed by the galvanic battery; and the machine was found adequate to the furnishing of shocks for medical purposes, for exhibiting the decomposition of water, furnishing the elements oxygen and hydrogen at their respective poles, and producing definite electro-chemical results. These two last results could not be obtained without the aid of the unitrep. But, with this improvement, the instrument was still wanting in one property of the galvanic battery, viz. that property which chemists call quantity, or that power upon which depends its ability to magnetize, and also to heat platinum wires. This last property has been given to the machine by the recent contrivance of Professor Page. The machine, in its novel construction, under his improvement, developed what is called, by way of distinction, the current of intensity, but had a very feeble magnetizing power. By a peculiar contrivance of the coils, (not to be made public until his rights are in some way secured,) the current of quantity is obtained in its maximum, while, at the same time, the intensity is so much diminished that it gives scarcely any shock, and decomposes feebly. It has been successfully tried with the magnetic telegraph of Professor Morse, and operates equally well with the battery. It affords, by simply turning a crank attached to the machine, a constant current of galvanic electricity; and as there is no consumption of material necessary to obtain this power, it will doubtless supersede the use of the galvanic battery, which, in the event of constant employment, would be very expensive, from the waste of zinc, platinum, acids, mercury, and other materials used in its construction. It particularly recommends itself for magnetizing purposes, as it requires no knowledge of chemistry to insure the result, being merely mechanical in its action, and is always ready for action without previous preparation; the turning of a crank being the only requisite when the machine is in order. It is not liable to get out of order; does not diminish perceptibly in power when in constant use, and actually gains power when standing at rest. It will be particularly gratifying to the man of science, as it enables him to have always at hand a constant power for the investigation of its properties, without any labor of preparation. We notice among the beautiful results of this machine, that it charges an electro magnet so as to sustain a weight of 1,000 pounds, and it ignites to a white heat large platinum wires, and may be used successfully for blasting at a distance; and should Government ever adopt any such system of defence as to need the galvanic power, it must supersede the battery in that case. Professor Page demonstrates, by mathematical reasoning, that the new contrivance of the coils affords the very maximum of quantity to be obtained by magnetic excitation.

_Report of Commissioner of Patents, for 1844._

REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON THE SUBJECT OF ELECTRO MAGNETIC TELEGRAPHS.

_Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting a
Report upon the subject of a System of Telegraphs for
the United States. December 11, 1837._

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, _December 6, 1837_.

SIR: I have the honor to present this report,
in compliance with the following resolution, which passed
the House of Representatives on the 3d of February last,
viz. “_Resolved_, That the Secretary of the Treasury be
requested to report to the House of Representatives, at its
next session, upon the propriety of establishing a system
of telegraphs for the United States.” Immediately after its
passage I prepared a circular, with the view of procuring,
from the most intelligent sources, such information as would
enable Congress, as well as the Department, to decide upon
the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs.

It seemed also important to unite with the inquiry
the procurement of such facts as might show the expense
attending different systems; the celerity of communication
by each; and the useful objects to be accomplished by their
adoption.

A copy of the circular is annexed, (1)

The replies have been numerous, and many of them are very
full and interesting. Those deemed material are annexed,
numbered 2 to 18, inclusive.

From those communications, and such other investigations
as the pressure of business has enabled me to make, I am
satisfied that the establishment of a system of telegraphs
for the United States would be useful to commerce as well as
the Government. It might most properly be made appurtenant
to the Post Office Department, and, during war, would prove
a most essential aid to the military operations of the
country.

The expense, attending it is estimated carefully in some
of the documents annexed; but it will depend much upon the
kind of system adopted: upon the extent and location
of the lines first established; and the charges made to
individuals for communicating information through it which
may not be of a public character.

On these points, as the Department has not been requested
to make a report, no opinion is expressed; but information
concerning them was deemed useful as a guide in deciding
on the propriety of establishing telegraphs, and was,
therefore, requested in the circular before mentioned.
Many useful suggestions in relation to the subject will be
found in the correspondence annexed, and in the books there
referred to.

The Department would take this occasion to express, in
respect to the numerous gentlemen whose views are now
submitted to Congress, its high appreciation and sincere
acknowledgments for the valuable contributions they have
made on a subject of so much interest.
I remain, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
LEVI WOODBURY,
_Secretary of the Treasury_.

The Hon. J. K. POLK,
_Speaker of the House of Representatives_.

No. 1.

_Circular to certain Collectors of the Customs, Commanders of
Revenue Cutters, and other persons._

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, _March 10, 1837_.

With the view of obtaining information in regard to “the
propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs for the
United States,” in compliance with the request contained
in the annexed resolution of the House of Representatives,
adopted at its last session, I will thank you to furnish the
Department with your opinion upon the subject. If leisure
permits, you would oblige me by pointing out the manner,
and the various particulars, in which the system may be
rendered most useful to the Government of the United States
and the public generally. It would be desirable, if in your
power, to present a detailed statement as to the proper
points for the location, and distance of the stations from
each other, with general rules for the regulation of the
system, together with your sentiments as to the propriety
of connecting it with any existing department of the
Government, and some definite idea of the rapidity with
which intelligence could ordinarily, and also in urgent
cases, be communicated between distant places. I wish you to
estimate the probable expense of establishing and supporting
telegraphs, upon the most approved system, for any given
distance, during any specified period.

It would add to the interest of the subject if you would
offer views as to the practicability of uniting with a
system of telegraphs for communication in clear weather
and in the day time, another for communication in fogs, by
cannon, or otherwise; and in the night, by the same mode, or
by rockets, fires, &c.

I should be gratified by receiving your reply by the first
of October next.

LEVI WOODBURY,
_Secretary of the Treasury_.

No. 2.

_Letter from S. F. B. Morse, to the
Secretary of the Treasury._

NEW YORK CITY UNIVERSITY, _Sept. 27, 1837_.

DEAR SIR: In reply to the inquiries which you
have done me the honor to make, in asking my opinion “of
the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs
for the United States,” I would say, in regard to the
general question, that I believe there can scarcely be two
opinions, in such a community as ours, in regard to the
advantage which would result, both to the Government and
the public generally, from the establishment of a system
of communication by which the most speedy intercourse may
be had between the most distant parts of the country. The
_mail system_, it seems to me, is founded on the universally
admitted principle, that the greater the speed with which
intelligence can be transmitted from point to point, the
greater is the benefit derived to the whole community. The
only question that remains, therefore, is, what system is
best calculated, from its completeness and cheapness, to
effect this desirable end?

With regard to telegraphs constructed on the ordinary
principles, however perfected within the limits in which
they are necessarily confined, the most perfect of them
are liable to one insurmountable objection—_they are
useless the greater part of the time_. In foggy weather,
and ordinarily during the night no intelligence can be
transmitted. Even when they can transmit, much time is
consumed in communicating but little, and that little not
always precise.

Having invented an entirely new mode of telegraphic
communication, which, so far as experiments have yet
been made with it, promises results of almost marvellous
character, I beg leave to present to the Department a brief
account of its chief characteristics.

About five years ago, on my voyage home from Europe,
the electrical experiment of Franklin, upon a wire some
four miles in length was casually recalled to my mind in a
conversation with one of the passengers, in which experiment
it was ascertained that the electricity travelled through
the whole circuit in a time not appreciable, but apparently
instantaneous. _It immediately occurred to me, that if the
presence of electricity could be made_ VISIBLE
_in any desired part of this circuit, it would not be
difficult to construct a_ SYSTEM OF SIGNS _by which
intelligence could be instantaneously transmitted._ The
thought, thus conceived, took strong hold of my mind in the
leisure which the voyage afforded, and I planned a system
of signs and an apparatus to carry it into effect. I cast
a species of type, which I had devised for this purpose,
the first week after my arrival home; and although the
rest of the machinery was planned, yet, from the pressure
of unavoidable duties, I was compelled to postpone my
experiments, and was not able to test the whole plan until
within a few weeks. The result has realized my most sanguine
expectations.

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