,illustration3 ,plate #a4 #8,royal ,sovereign' #8,camel' ,,trial ,,of ,,harvey',s ,,sea ,,torpedo4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,instructions ,,for ,,the ,,management ,,of ,,harvey',s ,,sea ,,torpedo4 ,,london3 ,e4 ,f4 ,n4 ,,spon1 #dh1 ,,charing ,,cross4 ,,portsmouth3 ,j4 ,,griffin ,,co4 ,,devonport3 ,j4 ,r4 ,h4 ,,spry4 #ahga4 ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,william ,,clowes ,,and ,,sons1 ,,stamford ,,street ,,and ,,charing ,,cross4 ,,instructions ,,for ,,the ,,management ,,of ,,harvey',s ,,sea ,,torpedo4 ,to impart a thorough knowledge of the management of such an arm as the sea torpedo is a matter of easy accomplishment by personal explanation2 especially so1 when the arm is in the water1 and practised with under conditions that would obtain in its application to the disabling of1 or to the destruction of vessels against which it may be employed4 ,but in the absence of such mode of instruction1 the following directions are offered1 with a hope that they will prove sufficiently explanatory of an arm1 which1 like other arms1 requires skill and aptitude in using it effectively4 ,by the instructions here given1 it must be understood1 there are two torpedoes2 though both are of the same kind1 they differ in construction1 by reason of the difference in the position of their respective planes1 so that one may diverge to port1 and the other to starboard2 the direction of the divergence is known by the position of the slings and rudder4 ,there is a like difference in the exploding bolts2 the bolts which respectively belong to the port and starboard torpedoes are known by the direction of their safety keys4 ,illustration3 7,a7 ,,starboard ,,torpedo4 ,illustration3 7,b7 ,,port ,,torpedo4 ,the sea torpedo has the advantage of exploding only when in hugging contact with the vessel attacked2 the levers by which it is exploded are so placed in relation to the tow-rope1 that either the side or top lever is found invariably to act effectively in forcing down the exploding bolt at the instant of contact2 this has been ascertained by the result of many experimental trials4 ,the shape is an irregular figure1 which can be best understood by reference to the drawings 7p4 #d74 ,the dimensions of exterior case are as follows3-- ft4 in4 ,length #e #j ,large ,torpedo ,breadth #j #f ,depth #a #h ,length #c #h ,small ,torpedo ,breadth #j #e ,depth #a #f ,illustration3 7,c7 ,,section 7,c74 ,the exterior case is made of well-seasoned elm #a in4 thick1 iron bound1 and screwed together with water-tight packing between the joints1 also cemented with pitch4 ,the interior case is made of stout sheet copper2 the case has two loading holes corresponding in size to two holes in the deck1 or top of the exterior case4 ,these holes are made sufficiently large to load with gun-cotton discs1 if preferred4 ,the loading holes are fitted with corks1 which are inserted before screwing on the brass cap1 to prevent any chance of accident through friction in screwing on the cap2 the bushing has the thread of the screw on the outside for the same reason4 ,if thought necessary1 the cork can be cemented over before screwing on the cap1 which will render the joint doubly secure from leakage4 ,the centre of the copper case has a stout copper tube1 which is soldered to the top and bottom surfaces of the copper case1 the charge being all round it2 into this centre tube is screwed the priming case4 ,it should be understood that both the exterior and inner cases are thoroughly water-tight1 so that in the event of the outer case being damaged1 still the charge in the interior case is preserved perfectly dry1 the cases being altogether independent of each other4 ,the capacity of the copper case of the large torpedo is such that it will contain #gg lbs4 of water2 the capacity of the small one1 #bh lbs42 from these can be determined the quantity of any explosive agent with which it may be desired to charge either torpedo4 ,the charges of various powders the torpedoes will contain are as follows3-- ,large ,torpedo4 ,small ,torpedo4 lbs4 lbs4 ,glyoxilin #dg #af ,schultze's blasting powder #fj #bb ,compressed gun-cotton #fj #bb ,picric powders #gc #bf ,rifle grained powder #gf #bg ,horsley's original #hj #bh ,horsley's blasting powder #he #cj ,nobel's dynamite #ajj #ce ,the above must be considered an approximation1 since much will depend upon the labour expended in packing the torpedo4 ,some of the powders named have not yet been manufactured on a large scale4 ,the priming case is made of stout sheet copper1 and contains a large bursting charge1 which may be either rifle grained powder or a stronger explosive1 which is recommended4 ,illustration3 7,d7 ,,section4 ,illustration3 7,e7 ,in the centre of the priming case is a brass tube in which the exploding bolt works1 and at the bottom of this tube is a steel-pointed pin1 which pierces the capsule on the muzzle of the exploding bolt1 when the bolt is forced down4 ,at the side of the brass tube1 and near the base of the pin1 is a small hole1 covered with thin brass foil1 which will allow of an escape of water into the priming case1 should any have collected at the bottom of the tube4 ,the loading hole of the priming case is at the bottom of the case1 and arranged with cork and cap upon the same principle as the loading holes for main charge4 ,a powerful spanner is provided for screwing in the priming case and caps of main loading holes1 which are fitted with leather washers to form a water-tight joint4 ,the priming case can be stored separate from the torpedo if preferred1 but there is no necessity for so doing unless it is charged with a dangerous compound4 ,when the torpedoes are being stored1 a wooden plug is inserted into the brass tube of the priming case2 there is a cavity in the plug at the lower end2 the cavity is filled with a greasy composition1 into which runs the pin of the priming case when the ping is in its place2 the pin is thus protected from corrosion1 and the tube of the case secured from any foreign matter getting accidentally into it4 ,the exploding bolt is fitted to work with a pressure of about #ej lbs4 on the head of the bolt for the large torpedo1 and #bj lbs4 for the small4 ,illustration3 7,f7 ,on account of the great proportional length of the stuffing box1 it is quite impossible for water to enter into the tube1 and the pressure can be regulated to the greatest nicety by the quantity of thread wound on4 ,the bolts are easily kept in order by turning them round occasionally in their tubes1 stored as they would be in the bolt magazine 7see p4 #bj1 ,fig4 ,y74 ,the best lubrication for them is hog's lard free from salt1 beeswax1 neat's-foot oil1 in proportion #c1 #a1 #a4 ,the bolt has several grooves for the thread stuffing to be wound on1 and in the event of its working too easy1 a few turns of whity-brown thread on the two lower stuffings will suffice2 should it work too stiff1 revolve it in the magazine tube until it works with the desired amount of pressure1 which1 after a little practice1 is well known by the hand4 ,in the event of a few drops of water entering the tube1 which has never occurred1 a provision is made for its escape 7see priming case71 that it may not impede the descent of the bolt4 ,the cavity in the bolt for containing the exploding composition is1 in length and diameter1 sufficient to contain a charge that will of itself explode the torpedo 7see ,fig ,g71 without depending upon the priming case4 ,the bolts are all the same size1 and differ only in the direction of the slot for safety key1 being port or starboard bolts accordingly4 ,illustration3 7,g7 ,illustration3 7,h7 ,the muzzle of the exploding bolt stands one inch off the pin when in safety position1 that is1 when the safety key rests on the brasswork of the priming case4 ,this can always be ascertained before entering the bolt 7if thought necessary7 by a wooden gauge forced down until it touches the point of the pin1 which measurement transferred to the bolt will show the distance of the muzzle when forced down to the safety position4 ,the safety key is secured in the slot of the exploding bolt by eight or nine parts of strong whity-brown thread secured to the key1 as shown in ,fig4 ,j 7p4 #aj71 passed round the bolt1 and securely knotted in this manner2 the parts of the thread come away with the key when drawn1 in order that none of the parts may be worked down the tube by the exploding bolt4 ,illustration3 7,i7 ,illustration3 7,j7 ,in the event of the large torpedo being cut away in deep water after withdrawal of the safety key1 it will explode by pressure on the head of the bolt at about sixty fathoms depth4 ,the small one at about thirty4 ,the brass guard for the exploding bolt is an extra precaution 7suggested by ,capt4 ,a4 ,hood1 ,r4,n41 ,director-,general of ,naval ,ordnance7 should any person by mistake attempt to place the bolt into the torpedo without the safety key in its place4 ,it is placed over the head of the bolt and pushed down until the thumb-screw on the side works into a small hole in the shoulder of the bolt4#a ,the manner in which this guard is fitted ensures its removal before launching1 since the after lever cannot be placed until it is4 ,it also makes a convenient handle for turning the bolt in the magazine4 #a ,as the certainty of explosion depends mainly upon the exploding bolt being properly charged1 the inventor takes entire charge of this important detail4 ,illustration3 7,k7 ,the explosive composition in the bolts is powerful and safe2 so packed that no amount of concussion can explode it2 the bolt must be pierced through the capsule at the muzzle for that purpose4 ,the bolts are hermetically sealed at the muzzle by a metallic capsule1 and can be stored for an indefinite length of time without chance of deterioration4 ,the exploding point of the composition in the bolt is #dbj ,fahrenheit4 ,illustration3 7,l7 ,the side and top levers are so arranged1 that when driven close into the torpedo1 the bolt is down to the shoulder2 and1 since there are three explosions to take place1 it is calculated the torpedo will be in hugging contact when the main charge explodes1 and exploded by a powerful discharge in the centre1 thereby disposing of the explosive force to the greatest advantage4 ,the torpedo must be closing to the ship when the levers are acting and the bolt descending2 no experiment for the force of explosive agents1 with a cushion of water intervening1 is required4 ,the amount of explosive agent1 when in contact1 is all that is required1 and the torpedo can be manufactured to contain a larger charge1 if thought necessary1 with a very small increase of dimensions2 but the present size is convenient for handling and launching2 and if loaded with any of the powerful blasting powders1 would1 in all probability1 prove sufficient to bilge or destroy the largest iron-clad4 ,illustration3 7,m7 ,illustration3 7,n7 ,the lanyard or side-lever is permanently secured to the short arm of the lever2 the end is rove under the fair lead on the deck of the torpedo up through the brass oval hole in the after top lever1 then down under the fair lead 7abaft the first turn71 and across the deck of the torpedo to the handle1 and secured with a round turn and two half-hitches4 ,care should be taken that the short arm of the lever is brought close into the fair lead1 and the lanyard should be set up sufficiently taut to give a slight spring in the after top lever by the strain brought on it4 ,this lever has a steel fish on the top1 in order to prevent it taking a permanent bend4 ,if the side-lever lanyard is properly set up1 the bolt will spring down about one-eighth of an inch when the safety key is withdrawn1 owing to the spring in the lever and shrinking of the lanyard2 this brings the muzzle one-eighth of an inch nearer the pin without disturbing the side lever4 ,the lanyard should be made up like a reef-point2 it should be well-greased immediately before launching4 ,illustration3 7,o7 ,illustration3 7,p7 ,illustration3 7,q7 ,to secure the fore top lever to the after1 in order that a back hit may not separate them1 the small lanyards1 with an eye in one end1 and whipped at the other1 are first placed over the eyes in the fore top lever1 then rove through the brass hole in the after top lever1 in opposite directions1 passed up through the eyes in the fore top lever1 and knotted over it4 ,the distance from the eyes in the fore top lever to the hole in the after top lever is so arranged that it will not interfere with the descent of them4 ,the fore-locks for the various bolts which fix the levers are made of fishing-line4 ,after knotting them1 the ends should be secured together by a seizing of thread4 ,illustration3 7,r7 ,illustration3 7,s7 ,the handles1 formed of iron straps passing under the torpedo1 and terminating in four eyes above the deck1 are principally for handling it2 one of the foremost eyes is made use of as a fair lead for the safety-key lanyard1 and to stop it to2 the other foremost is made use of to secure the side lanyard to ,fig4 ,n 7p4 #ab74 ,the ballast is composed of iron and sheet lead2 the former1 a fixture to the wooden bottom of the torpedo2 the latter1 screwed on with long screws into the iron4 ,a thin sheet of lead is always kept on the bottom1 affording a soft material for moving them about on1 removing the objection that may be made to the friction caused by an iron bottom in the moving of them in the torpedo-room4 ,by taking out these screws1 several more thicknesses of sheet-lead can be screwed on1 the same screws binding all together4 ,on leaving the manufacturers1 there is sufficient lead placed on the bottom for a speed between three and ten knots4 ,a very large increase of ballast would require another buoy to be strung on over and above the usual complement4 ,illustration3 7,t7 ,the proper adjustment of the slings is most important1 as the divergence depends upon it4 ,the after legs of the slings1 when stretched out alongside the torpedo1 should extend one foot beyond the stem iron of the torpedo for the large torpedo1 and eight inches for the small one2 the distance on the slings being reckoned from the seizing round the thimble4 ,this first adjustment is near enough if within two inches of the regulation4 ,the thimble of the slings is made suitable for wire or hemp rope1 the fore surface of it being bell-mouthed1 to prevent chafe of the tow-rope2 the thimble is so constructed that the parts of the slings cannot escape from the groove should the seizing become slack2 it will be observed that by this arrangement the edge of the thimble is not brought in contact when rounding the stem or stern of a vessel1 the nip after leaving the tow-rope coming direct on to the fore span1 and thence to the projecting curve of the side lever4 ,when all four legs are pulled out1 in direction of the tow-rope1 they bear an equal strain2 the junction of the four legs should be on a level with the upper towing-irons1 at the same time the upper fore span should make an angle between #hj and #he with the near side of the torpedo4 ,this arrangement gives the best divergence with the least strain on the tow-rope1 and is suitable when the torpedo is kept at short scope1 as well as when a long length of tow-line is out4 ,the slings are made of the best ,italian hemp 7not laid up too hard71 the rope being of the same strength as the tow-rope2 for although in towing four legs divide the strain1 yet during collision the strain might be brought on one or two4#b #b ,it may be here remarked1 the small rudder on the stern of the torpedo is not for the purpose of increasing the divergence1 but to control the direction of the torpedo when the tow-rope is suddenly slacked4 ,illustration3 7,u7 ,illustration3 7,v7 ,the tow-rope for large torpedo can be of #b in4 or #c in4 hemp1 or #a in4 flexible galvanized iron wire4 ,for small torpedo1 #a in4 to #b in4 hemp1 or in4 wire4 ,the buoys are made of solid cork 7such cork only being used as will ensure great floating power after being immersed for a time71 it is built up on a galvanized iron tube1 running longitudinally through2 on the ends of the tube are screwed wooden cones1 which bind all together and render the buoy indestructible4 ,the iron tube gives great facility for stringing on the number of buoys required4 ,illustration3 ,,drawing 7,w74 ,,section ,,on ,a ,b4 ,two buoys are generally used for the large torpedo1 and one for the small4 ,the buoy-rope is of hemp1 about five or six fathoms in length and two inches circumference1 an eye being spliced in the end nearest the torpedo2 to this eye is bent the tow-rope with a single or double sheet bend1 forming the knot by which the torpedo is towed2 the other end of the buoy-rope is passed through the large or small ring in the stern 7according to whether working in deep or shallow water71 then through the tube of the first buoy1 an overhand knot made in the rear2 then through the next buoy1 and a knot in the rear of that4 ,illustration3 ,,drawing 7,x74 ,illustration3 ,,drawing #a4 ,the brakes are used for the purpose of controlling the tow-ropes2 they can be fixed by screws into the deck at the most convenient place for command1 and1 in a properly-constructed vessel1 would be worked below the water-line to prevent exposure of the men4 ,they are so arranged as to admit of the tow-rope being quickly veered1 and at the same time powerful in bringing the torpedo to the surface when required4 ,success greatly depends on the skilful handling of these brakes1 for in conjunction with the cork buoys they give the operator command of the depth at which the enemy is to be struck4 ,the handles on the leather straps are for the purpose of lifting the strap off the drum when veering suddenly1 that there may be no friction to interfere4 ,the handles for winding up would rarely be used in real action1 and never should be on when veering4 ,unless a very high rate of speed is required1 one handspike will control the tow-rope2 the other strap can be thrown off the drum1 and the handspike allowed to lie on the deck ready to be thrown into gear1 if necessary4 ,the surface of the drum in contact with the strap should be powdered with rosin to increase the friction4 ,the tow-rope should be so reeled up1 that in veering the reel may revolve towards the men at the handspike 7see ,plate #b74 ,the spindle will contain several tow-ropes1 that1 in the event of one torpedo being cut away1 another can be immediately bent4 ,the brake for small torpedo requires only one drum and handspike4 ,it can be fitted to a steam-launch by placing an extra thwart across near one of the others4 ,illustration3 ,,drawing #b4 ,the drawing shows a small brake fitted for the electric torpedo1 having a hollow central spindle1 through which the end of the tow-rope carrying the insulated wire is rove1 after passing out at the axle2 a swivel connection is made with the battery4 ,the brakes1 both large and small1 are so made as to ensure durability1 they being considered a part of the ship's furniture4 ,brake for safety-key line is a small reel on the same principle4 ,when going a slow speed1 it may not be necessary1 as the safety-key line can be attended by hand2 but when going ten or eleven knots1 it will be found of considerable advantage1 both in keeping the light of the safety-key line from dragging astern1 thereby lessening the divergence of the torpedo1 and also in drawing the safety key when a strong stop is used4 ,the ordinary deep-sea lead line can be used for a safety-key line1 or any hemp-rope from three-quarters to an inch circumference4 ,it should be new and of good quality2 for in the event of its carrying away before the stop1 it would necessitate the recovery of the torpedo4 ,illustration3 ,,drawing #c4 ,illustration3 7,y7 ,the magazine for exploding bolts is fitted with exactly the same size brass tubing as in the priming case2 therefore1 if the bolts are kept to work with the proper pressure when in the magazine1 they will do so in the torpedo4 ,this magazine should be kept apart from the torpedo-room1 and care should be taken that the tube is clear before forcing the loaded bolt into it4 ,the torpedoes are then no more dangerous than any other powder case1 and1 being very strongly made and sealed1 are probably less so4 ,illustration3 ,plate #b4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,arrangements ,,required ,,for ,,launching ,,and ,,towing4 ,a yard across either the main or mizen mast of a torpedo vessel1 from ten to fifteen feet above the water-line1 is a very convenient method for launching and towing4 ,the leading block on the yard1 through which the tow-rope is rove1 may be fitted to a traveller on the yard with an inhaul and outhaul1 that the distance out from the ship's side may be regulated as convenient4 ,in a large vessel1 the leading block for tow-rope can be fixed to the end of the quarter-boat's davits4 ,the brakes for commanding the tow-rope should be screwed firmly to the deck4 ,in a vessel properly constructed for the service1 they would be on the lower deck1 the tow-rope having been led along the yard1 and down each side of the mast4 ,a leading block for the tow-rope is placed on the deck by span or bolt a few feet in front of the brake4 ,the safety-key reel1 if used1 must be fixed in a convenient position on deck1 that the man attending it can see how to control it2 in a properly-constructed vessel he would be in the pilot-house4 ,the safety-key line leads through a small leading block on the ensign-staff or some convenient point abaft the lead of the tow-rope1 that it may be kept well clear of it4 ,the leading block on the yard may be fitted with a lizard1 if thought necessary4 ,a sharp instrument should be kept by the brakes ready to sever the tow-rope4 ,,preparations ,,for ,,launching ,,and ,,towing4 ,illustration3 7,z7 ,the torpedoes1 port and starboard1 loaded and ballasted1 having been hoisted out of the torpedo-room1 are placed on the deck on their own sides1 with their heads forward under the leading block1 and the number of buoys required for each1 placed abaft them1 strung together as directed 7p4 #ag72 the necessary number of exploding bolts having also been taken from the bolt magazine1 are now entered into the torpedoes1 and forced down until their safety keys rest on the brasswork1 taking care that each safety key points in the direction of the eye through which its lanyard has to pass2 the brass guard is now taken off1 and after top lever placed in the crutch of the exploding bolt2 the fore top lever is now placed on the shoulder of the after one1 and the two levers secured by their lanyards1 as directed in pages #ab and #ac4 ,the eye at the end of the buoy-rope is now rove through the large or small ring in the stern end of the torpedo 7see p4 #ag74 ,the tow-rope having been previously rove through the leading block on the deck and on the yard1 is rove through the thimble of the slings from forward aft1 and bent1 with a single or double sheet bend1 to the eye of the buoy-rope4 ,the safety-key line having been previously rove through the leading block on the ensign-staff1 and the lanyard on the safety key having been led through the eye of the handle1 making a fair lead with the slit in the bolt1 are bent together with a double-sheet bend1 and stopped to the eye by a split yarn of suitable strength1 the yarn having been secured outside the bend4 ,it can also be stopped with another split yarn to the slings near the thimble of the slings4 ,the torpedo is now ready for launching4 ,,launching ,,the ,,torpedo4 ,the crew having been stationed at their respective posts1 the handles having been shipped on the tow-reel1 the tow-line is then reeled up until the torpedo will launch clear1 and swing out under the leading block on the yard4 ,hold the torpedo by the handspikes1 and take off the handles of the brake4 ,in swinging out1 care should be taken that in starting from the deck the fore slings do not foul the fore top lever4 ,the stern of the torpedo can be steadied by keeping a slight strain on the buoy-rope4 ,the safety-key line must be kept clear1 and not checked1 or it might break the stop and draw the safety key before intended4 ,the buoys must be placed in a proper position1 and hands stationed by them to launch them overboard the instant the torpedo takes the water4 ,it would be better to stop the screw1 if circumstances would allow of it1 when lowering the torpedo and buoys into the water1 to prevent the chance of the buoys fouling the screw4 ,the torpedo1 on reaching the water1 will immediately diverge clear of the ship2 the buoys being launched1 as the strain comes on the buoy-rope1 they will be towed clear away from the screw1 and full speed may be put on at once4 ,the men at the handspikes must veer steadily1 occasionally checking the torpedo1 that it may be kept near the surface1 and not allowed to dive1 which it will do if the tow-rope is slacked up altogether1 and then a sudden strain brought on it4 ,illustration3 ,,drawing #d4 ,eventually it will come to the surface1 when the bow is pointed up by the strain on the tow-rope2 greater the speed the more quickly will it be brought to the surface4 ,in shallow water this should be particularly attended to1 as in diving it might strike the bottom and injure the levers2 and if the safety key has been withdrawn1 explode2 moreover it brings an undue strain on the tow-rope4 ,the torpedo can now be gradually veered out to the distance required1 the safety-key line so attended1 that a sufficient strain is kept on it as not to allow of a long bight of line dragging astern of the torpedo2 at the same time having due regard to the strength of the yarn by which the line is stopped to the handle of the torpedo4 ,the distance veered must depend upon the nature of attack4 ,the tow-line should be marked with knots every ten fathoms2 under some circumstances the torpedo would be close to the ship until passing the enemy 7see ,tactics72 at other times veered to #dj fathoms it will be found most suitable4 ,the full divergence of #de is obtained up to #ej fathoms1 beyond that the bight of the tow-rope in the water drags the torpedo astern unless the tow-rope is triced much higher up1 which has its disadvantage2 #dj to #ej fathoms of tow-rope gives the best command of the torpedo1 veering #b or #c fathoms of tow-line suddenly will always sink the torpedo some feet below the surface4 ,should it become necessary to use the torpedoes with a stern-board they can be so used1 but in this case the port torpedo is used on the starboard bow and starboard on the port2 all other arrangements being exactly the same4 ,in rough weather1 advantage should be taken of the roll1 and the torpedo allowed to swing out from the yard1 and be let go by the run1 checking the tow-rope immediately the torpedo is in the water4 ,it is not absolutely necessary to ease the vessel when launching1 the torpedo can be launched at full speed4 ,in the event of its being found necessary to cut adrift the torpedo1 in consequence of coming suddenly across a friendly vessel1 the tow-rope should be cut near the brake1 and if the buoy-rope has been rove through the large stern-ring1 the torpedo will sink and be lost1 the buoy only remaining4 ,if the buoy-rope has been rove through the small stern-ring1 the torpedo will be suspended by the buoy-rope2 and should the safety key not have been withdrawn1 can be recovered with safety4 ,in the event of wishing to recover it when the buoy-rope has been rove through the large ring1 a toggle must be lashed on the tow-rope abaft the leading block on the yard1 when it can be recovered by the buoy-rope2 as a general rule1 it will however be found best to expend the torpedo1 and not attempt its recovery4 ,by slacking the tow-rope roundly and stopping the vessel1 a friendly ship can pass over the bight of the tow-rope without striking the torpedo2 but this is rather a delicate operation1 particularly if the safety key has been withdrawn4 ,,recovering ,,the ,,torpedo4 ,should the safety key have been withdrawn1 great caution must be used4 ,illustration3 ,,drawing #e4 ,tongs1 for going round the upper part of the bolt1 to take the place of the safety key1 when once clasped and secured round the bolt1 render the torpedo safe to handle2 this could only be done from a boat4 ,with the safety key in1 there is no danger in hooking it inboard again by its own tow-rope1 and hoisting up the buoys at the same time with a grapnel4 ,,torpedo ,,arranged ,,to ,,explode ,,by ,,electricity4 ,to substitute the electrical method of firing the torpedo for the mechanical one1 all that will be necessary is to unscrew the priming case from the centre hole of the mechanical torpedo1 and screw in the electrical arrangement which contains ,mc,evoy's patent circuit-closer1 especially adapted by him to suit this particular torpedo4 ,the electrical arrangement has its own exploding bolt1 which differs from the other only below the safety key1 which key is fitted and worked in the same manner as the mechanical one1 in order that the electrical arrangement might not be disturbed by an accidental blow when launching4 ,the insulated conducting wire is carried along the whole length of the tow-rope in the centre1 forming a core4 ,the tow-rope1 as in the mechanical one1 is bent on to the hemp buoy-rope by a sheet bend1 the strands at the end are then unlaid1 sufficiently so to form a connection between the insulated wire in the tow-rope and that projecting from the centre hole of the torpedo2 this connection can be best made with ,mc,evoy's patent jointer4 ,the other end of the tow-rope on the barrel of the brake passes through the hollow spindle of the brake at one extremity and is connected with the constant battery1 which must be suitable for heating platinum at the distance of #ajj fathoms1 the return circuit being by the water4 ,the levers act in the same manner as in the mechanical one1 forcing down the bolt and thereby closing the circuit through the fuze and exploding the torpedo4 ,this system of exploding the torpedo may be preferred in rivers or shallow water1 where it would be considered dangerous to leave a mechanical torpedo at the bottom2 but it cannot be reckoned upon with the same certainty as the mechanical one4 ,it is necessarily more costly1 complicated1 and delicate2 the two latter conditions rendering it unsuited for the rough work it will have to encounter4 ,the torpedo being provided with this centre tube in addition to the usual priming case1 admits of its being used upon an emergency1 special ones not being at hand1 for various other purposes1 viz4 clearing away obstructions2 as land torpedoes2 as stationary torpedoes1 provided they are not to remain a very long time in the water4 ,in these cases the ordinary insulated wire and jointers are all that is required4 ,if required to be fired at will1 it will be only necessary to force down the bolt sufficiently to close the circuit through the fuze and then secure it4 ,if to be self-acting1 leave the bolt up in its position1 as when working at sea1 to be acted upon by pressure4 ,,description ,,of ,,capt4 ,c4 ,a4 ,,mcevoy',s ,,circuit-,,closing ,,arrangement ,,for ,,harvey',s ,,sea ,,torpedo4 ,illustration3 ,fig3 #a4 ,fig3 #b4 ,london3 ,e4 ,f4 ,n4 ,spon1 #dh1 ,charing ,cross4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lithrs4 ,,fig4 #a4--;,an exterior tube1 a a2 screw-head1 a2 interior tube1 b2 intermediate tube1 d2 firing bolt1 e2 spindle1 f2 long brass spiral spring1 g2 short spiral spring1 h2 socket for spindle1 i i2 insulated wire from battery1 k k2 insulated terminal1 l2 electric fuze1 m2 priming space1 n n2 charging hole1 o2 insulated bridge1 p2 metal bridge1 u4 ,the electric wire k k passes through the screw-head a of external tube a a1 and winding spirally around the intermediate tube d1 terminates in a connection with the insulated bridge p at s4 ,the intermediate tube d is attached to the head of the spindle f at t4 ,when pressure is brought to bear on the firing bolt e1 the spindle f is forced down1 and carries with it the insulated bridge p1 until the bridge touches the insulated terminal l4 ,it will be seen that the long spiral spring g and short spiral spring h serve to support the spindle f1 and keep the bridge p off the terminal l until they are forced into contact4 ,whilst the insulated bridge p remains above the insulated terminal1 the former is in constant contact with the metal bridge u2 but this contact is broken when the metal bridge moves downward and before it makes contact with the insulated terminal l4 ,when the insulated bridge p is in contact with the metal bridge u1 the electric fuze is out of circuit2 and a current sent through the torpedo will return by way of the earth without firing the torpedo2 but when contact with the metal bridge u is broken1 and contact with the insulated terminal l is made1 the current is directed through the electric fuze1 and the torpedo fired4 ,the priming in the tube is sufficient to rupture the tubes and ignite the charge in the torpedo4 ,fig4 #b shows a section of the circuit-closer1 with the spiral spring slightly compressed1 and the insulated bridge in contact with the insulated terminal1 and the circuit closed4 ,by dispensing with the electric fuze1 and using in its place a piece of copper wire1 any number of experiments may be made with an uncharged torpedo without adjustment or manipulation of any kind2 it only being necessary to attach to the return wire near the battery a galvanometer or electric fuze to indicate the time of the impact4 ,the torpedoes here described are manufactured by ,j4 ,vavasseur and ,co41 at the ,london ,ordnance ,works2 at which establishment the inventor has every facility in the supervision of the various details in the construction of the torpedoes1 buoys1 and brakes4 ,such supervision of the torpedoes and their equipments is highly essential to secure safety and efficiency4 ,,tactics4 ,torpedo vessels should1 as a rule1 attack under the cover of darkness4 ,by the experience gained in blockade running in the late ,american conflict1 we are assured that a vessel in rapid motion can1 when it is dark1 pass with impunity close under the fire of hostile vessels1 armed with cannon4 ,in the more early stage of the torpedo1 the tactics of vessels armed with torpedoes embraced modes of attack that are not now entertained4 ,so general is becoming the use of torpedoes as a means both of defence and offence1 that vessels1 which may be at anchor or moored in a harbour or roadstead1 would be protected by stationary torpedoes2 the use of which admits also of vessels1 when at anchor or moored1 protecting themselves by placing a web of torpedoes in such manner as to render the attack of a hostile vessel or boats extremely hazardous1 and therefore not likely to be attempted4 ,but in the event of a vessel being at anchor in a harbour or roadstead unprotected1 she could be attacked1 as shown in the illustration of ,tactics1 under such conditions4 ,as1 however1 vessels armed with torpedoes are intended to work the arm against vessels at sea or in motion1 the management of the torpedo in so attacking vessels is the more important part of the code of ,tactics4 ,it should be here remarked1 that with a view to simplicity1 the explanations will be confined to a single steamer1 the attacking vessel adapted to the service of the arm in question1 and confined also to a single vessel1 the object of attack4 ,,case #a4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,moored ,,head ,,and ,,stern4 ,in this case the torpedo vessel steers in for the bow or quarter of the vessel attacked1 according to the direction of the current1 and on the side approached launches the torpedo between the moorings as at ,a2 leaving the tow-rope slack1 the torpedo vessel proceeds ahead or astern against the current1 and when at a sufficient distance off1 the tow-rope is held fast1 which will cause the torpedo to diverge into contact with the vessel attacked1 as shown by the drawing4 ,illustration3 ,plate #d4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #a4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,moored ,,head ,,and ,,stern4 ,,case #b4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,at ,,anchor ,,by ,,crossing ,,the ,,bow4 ,in this case1 the torpedo is sufficiently diverged when near to the vessel with a good scope of tow-rope out4 ,after having crossed her bow1 proceeding onwards1 the tow-rope will be brought obliquely across her cable1 and the torpedo will swing into her1 as shown in the drawing4 ,it may be here remarked that1 in all cases1 the depth of explosion can be obtained by the sudden slacking of the tow-rope2 and the tow-rope1 once under the keel1 causes the torpedo to be hauled down near to it before exploding4 ,illustration3 ,plate #e4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #b4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,at ,,anchor ,,by ,,crossing ,,the ,,bow4 ,,case #c4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,at ,,anchor ,,by ,,passing ,,on ,,either ,,side ,,determined ,,upon1 ,,coming ,,up ,,from ,,the ,,stern4 ,in this case1 the torpedo is launched when on the quarter of the vessel attacked1 as at ,a1 the tow-rope left slack4 ,after steaming ahead some distance1 hold fast the tow-rope1 when1 by continuing to steam on1 the torpedo will diverge into contact with the bottom of the vessel attacked1 as shown in the drawing4 ,when skilfully performed1 the total destruction of the enemy is certain1 since the torpedo is springing from a depth to the surface1 and will1 in consequence1 strike near the keel4 ,the torpedo vessel can pass at her greatest speed1 and1 if thought necessary1 near enough to clear away any of the ordinary obstructions1 such as booms1 nets1 c4 ,illustration3 ,plate #f4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #c4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,at ,,anchor ,,by ,,passing ,,on ,,either ,,side4 ,,case #d4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,at ,,anchor ,,by ,,coming ,,up ,,right ,,astern ,,and ,,then ,,passing ,,on ,,either ,,side4 ,in this case1 having determined upon the side it is desirable to pass1 a torpedo is launched accordingly4 ,when near the vessel1 the torpedo is sufficiently diverged1 and the torpedo vessel passing onwards ahead1 the torpedo is brought under the run or bottom of the vessel attacked1 as shown by the drawing4 ,illustration3 ,plate #g4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #d4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,at ,,anchor ,,coming ,,up ,,from ,,astern ,,and ,,then ,,passing ,,on ,,either ,,side4 ,,case #e4 ,,passing ,,down ,,between ,,two ,,lines ,,of ,,vessels ,,at ,,anchor1 ,,and ,,destroying ,,them ,,on ,,either ,,side4 ,in this case1 it would be impossible to fire at the torpedo vessel for fear of injury to their friends4 ,two or more torpedo vessels following each other with preconcerted signals would cause great destruction4 ,illustration3 ,plate #h4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #e4--,,passing ,,between ,,two ,,vessels ,,at ,,anchor4 ,,case #f4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,in ,,motion ,,by ,,coming ,,down ,,from ,,right ,,ahead4 ,in this case1 two torpedoes are launched1 port and starboard1 each diverging to its full extent2 when passing the vessel attacked1 one or the other of the tow-ropes is brought across the cut-water1 and by the simultaneous motion of the two vessels in opposite directions1 the torpedo is brought alongside of or under the bottom of the vessel attacked1 as shown by the drawing4 ,the torpedo vessel should keep the masts of her enemy in one until close to1 when either torpedo will be used1 according to the movement of the enemy4 ,at the time of the tow-rope taking the cut-water1 the brake is suddenly eased up2 the tow-rope will then pass under the bottom1 when1 by checking the tow-rope1 the torpedo will be hauled under the bottom4 ,illustration3 ,plate #i4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #f4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,in ,,motion ,,coming ,,down ,,from ,,ahead4 ,,case #g4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,in ,,motion1 ,,coming ,,up ,,to ,,her ,,from ,,right ,,astern4 ,in this case1 two torpedoes are launched and diverged1 as in ,case #f2 and in this case it is assumed that the torpedo vessel can outspeed the vessel attacked1 which will enable her to bring a torpedo under the run of the vessel attacked1 as shown by the drawing4 ,illustration3 ,plate #aj4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #g4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,in ,,motion ,,coming ,,up ,,from ,,astern4 ,,case #h4 ,,if ,,chased ,,by ,a ,,hostile ,,vessel1 ,,and ,,it ,,is ,,deemed ,,unadvisable ,,to ,,face ,,her ,,and ,,proceed ,,as ,,in ,,case #f4 ,in this case1 veer a torpedo astern1 having first obtained a position a little on the bow of the chasing vessel4 ,when it is known1 by the length of the tow-rope out1 that the torpedo is about abreast of her bow1 hold fast the tow-rope1 which will cause the torpedo to diverge1 and be brought into contact1 as shown in the drawing4 ,as a last resort1 drop spanned torpedoes4 ,illustration3 ,plate #aa ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #h4--;,,chased ,,by ,a ,,hostile ,,vessel4 ,,case #i4 ,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,in ,,motion ,,by ,,crossing ,,her ,,bow4 ,in this case1 the torpedo being diverged when near1 will1 after crossing the bow1 be dragged into contact1 as shown by the drawing4 ,torpedoes can be used with a stern-board1 if necessary4 ,the port torpedo1 in this case1 will be launched on the starboard side1 and the starboard on the port side4 ,illustration3 ,plate #ab ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,case #i4--;,,attacking ,a ,,vessel ,,in ,,motion ,,by ,,crossing ,,the ,,bow4 ,in conclusion1 it should be stated that a dark night and tempestuous weather are in favour of the attacking torpedo vessels2 and these conditions are especially advantageous when attacking large1 long1 unwieldy vessels1 and the greater the number of them together1 the more easily can they be disabled or destroyed1 by reason of consequent confusion4 ,though the sea torpedo can be used in the light of day1 or darkness of night1 by vessels of the present navies1 armed with cannon1 it is nevertheless earnestly advised that fast vessels be built of comparatively small size and cost1 adapted to the service of and armed with torpedoes1 by reason that such vessels can keep at sea for long periods without replenishing supplies of coals and provisions2 and in conflict upon the ocean1 can easily destroy or render unseaworthy vessels1 how large soever they may be1 and armed with any cannon and projectiles at present known4 ,hence the necessity of being prepared with vessels suited to the change in naval warfare1 and with officers well practised in an arm which1 sooner or later1 will be adopted by all ,maritime ,states1 by reason of its economy and efficiency4 ,in the tactics1 here attempted to be rendered intelligible1 it is presumed that the various modes of attack are by small handy vessels adapted to the service1 and armed with torpedoes1 against large unwieldy vessels1 armed with cannon4 ,when it shall have been clearly demonstrated1 in actual war1 that large vessels can be disabled or destroyed by small vessels1 with something like impunity1 torpedo warfare will then take another form1 that of torpedo vessels against torpedo vessels1 whose tactics will1 in due time1 be a subject for another study4 ,,frederick ,,harvey1 ,commander ,r4,n4 ,,the ,,subjoined ,,is ,a ,,remark ,,upon ,,the ,,description ,,of ,,vessel ,,adapted ,,to ,,the ,,service ,,of ,,the ,,sea ,,torpedo4 ,vessels adapted to the service of the sea torpedo should be about #djj tons burthen2 her extreme length1 over all1 from taffrail to figure-head1 about #aej feet4 ,the form of body to be such as to attain the greatest practicable speed4 ,speed being the essential condition of a torpedo vessel1 a perfectly flush upper or weather deck1 without any bulwarks1 is advisable2 instead of bulwarks1 life-lines1 supported by stanchions1 supply their place to prevent accidents of falling overboard4 ,thus fitted1 there would be nothing to hold wind that could retard speed1 as there is in vessels of ordinary build4 ,so covered in1 the vessel would not1 under any condition of weather1 ship water2 she would not1 from such cause1 be in any danger of foundering4 ,the height of the weather-deck above the water-line at midships1 #i feet2 the height of the main deck above the water-line1 #ah inches2 leaving a clear height between decks of #f feet #f inches4 ,there should be two water-tight bulkheads1 one about #ej feet from the stem1 and the other about #bj feet from the stern-post2 the two water-tight bulkheads come up to the under side of the main deck1 with which the bulkhead form perfectly water-tight compartments4 ,in the fore compartment1 empty water-tight cases would occupy the lower part1 over which would be stowed the cork buoys and some light resisting material1 rendered uninflammable1 so that in the event of the fore body being ripped open below the water-line1 there would be no space for the admission of water2 the trim of the vessel would therefore be preserved4 ,the after compartment would be similarly stowed4 ,there would be a capacious engine-room to allow of powerful engines to work twin screws2 there would also be capacious coal-bunkers and a coal-hold before the engine-room2 and before the coal-hold a small hold for the stowage of cables and various articles4 ,there would also be a pilot-house1 in which would be protected the officer in command1 who would be so placed as to have his orders immediately obeyed4 ,the torpedo-room1 to contain about one hundred torpedoes of various destructive powers1 the weight of which may be about #aj tons1 would be in the after body1 and as low down as may be convenient4 ,upon the orlop deck1 which covers the magazine1 would be the towing gear1 and machinery for working such gear4 ,on the orlop deck would also be a steering wheel1 by which the vessel would be steered when in action4 ,the space between the decks of the entire length of the vessel would afford ample accommodation for officers and crew1 embracing1 also1 stowage for provisions and means of cooking4 ,ventilation and light would be obtained by hatchways1 fitted with skylights2 and there would also be side scuttles1 which1 from their height above water1 would admit of their being generally open4 ,the rig would be that of a three-masted schooner1 having fore1 main1 and mizen gaffsails1 with a fore staysail and two jibs1 inner and outer4 ,when going into action1 the sails would be lowered and stowed2 the vessel would then be entirely under steam4 ,to each mast there would be a yard of suitable dimensions1 for the double purpose of towing the torpedoes and setting flying square sails4 ,the rigging would not be rattled2 the ascent to the masthead would be by a ,jacob's ladder before the mast2 there would be a small top to each masthead1 principally for the use of the look-out men4 ,the crew would be stationed upon the orlop deck1 each man being provided with a life-belt4 ,with regard to boats1 there may be a small stern boat1 and two larger boats1 stowed on deck2 and upon going into action1 gripes or lashings should be cast off so that the boats would instantly be disengaged from the vessel4 ,torpedo vessels for foreign service should1 under the present difficulties of keeping iron from oxidizing and fouling1 be built of timber4 ,for home service1 vessels constructed of iron would be preferable1 and with very reduced masts1 to enable them to pass under the yards of a vessel4 ,one or two light guns1 to bring-to an unarmed vessel1 and for signal purposes1 on the weather-deck1 and fired over all4 ,illustration3 ,plate #c4 ,kell ,bros4 ,lith4 ,london4 ,,an ,,iron ,,clad ,,fleet ,,surprised ,,at ,,sea ,,by ,a ,,squadron ,,of ,,torpedo ,,craft ,,armed ,,with ,,harvey',s ,,sea ,,torpedoes4 ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,william ,,clowes ,,and ,,sons1 ,,stamford ,,street ,,and ,,charing ,,cross4