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This is a listing of documents reviewed from Record Groups
71 and 45. Copies of these documents are
held by the Submarine Force Library and Museum in
In addition to these documents, the “Minutes” index of letters sent and received have been reviewed to ensure all letters have been reviewed and the Contracts Book of the Bureau of Yards and Docks for the period has been reviewed and the applicable contracts copied.
CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Welles, Gideon, 9/26/1861
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Welles, Gideon
Dated: 9/26/1861
Summary/Transcript
Requsting information as to the results of the Hoff Report and whether his [deV] services might be used.
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Proposal to build, 7/7/1861
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Proposal to build
Dated: 7/7/1861
Summary/Transcript
Offer to sell submarine and services
The owners of the Villeroi Sub-Marine Propeller having
proposed to dispose of this new arm to the Government of the
They will sell the said invention with all the specifications, plans, drawings, and secrets pertaining thereto, and the boat already constructe for salvage purposes, with all the apparatus connected therewith for a sum of money to be hereafter agreed upon.
Mr Villeroi would offer his services to superintend the construction of the boat, drill the crew, and conduct in person the sub-marine operations.
Should
the First proposition made by the owners of the Villerio sub-marine-propeller
not meet with the approval by the Government of the
Proposition No. 3?
They would agree to superinetend the construction of an iron submarine propeller for hostile operations, not to exceed in cost fourteen thousand dollars, and to be conpleted in fourty days after the contract. (the Governament to pay for the work as executed) - and to dispose of said invention with all the plans, specificaitons, secretas etc. peratining thereto for a (larger ) sum of money to be hereafter agreed upon, contingent upon the suddess of the said vessel, the money to be paid as soon as the boat shall be satisfactorily tested by a commission appointed by the Government.
As it would be necessary to the Government to have the boat already built( the same reported upon by a Commission of Officers at the Philad-a Navy Yard July 7th 1861) as a school of instruction to drill a crew while constructing another upon a larger scale for war purposes, the owners would expect the Government to take the same at cost.
Should
the first and second propositiones respecfully submitted to the Government of
the
They will contract to blow up one or more vessels of war at the Norfolk Navy Yard for a sum equivalent to the damage inflicted upon the enemy, to be paid them on the destruction of the property.
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CITATION:
From: Report on deVillerio Sub
To:
Dated: 7/7/1861
Summary/Transcript
Copy
Navy Yard Phila
July 7th 1861
Sir
In obedience to your order of may 3rd 1861 the Diving
Machine of Mr DeVillerio being reported ready for imspection, we proceded to
The Submarine Propeller submitted to our investigation consists of an iron cylinder, cone shaped at the two extremeities about thirty three feed in length and four feet at its greatest diameter. It is propelled by means of a screw in the stern with two {?}Prinions, one on either side, resembling somewhat a whale in external form and apperance. Light is communictated to the interiou by means of glass bulls eyes on the back, thirty six in number. An ellipsoidal section eight inches in height, opening at will affords entrance and esit for a crew of from six to twelve men, according to the speed required; A corresponding section at the bottom of the boat admits the egress of the divers, who, breathing by means of tubes attached to the boat are enabled to perform submarine operations, such as raising sunken cargoes, and attaching torpedos to the bottoms of hostile vessels. An artificial atmosphere perfectly respirable by the men is generated bu the inventor by a chemical process so that the submerged boat is executes its maneuvers without any connection with the surface. Its entire apparatus is contained in the interior and invisible from the outside.
In justice to Mr. De Villeroi we should state that the boat in question was constructed for salvage purposes and not for war uses, (for the latter, he propoes if his services are accepted by the Government to construct another on a larger sceale whose greater capacity would afford additional facilities for the nameuvers of the men while it would also be provided with greatly increased power of propulsion) so that in the experiment we have considered the machine employed simple as a model to demonatrate the principles to be established by the infentor.
From the experiments we have witnessed, corrobrated by those made previously, we consider that Mr. DeVillerio has demonstrated the following principles:
1st The ability to remain submerged for a lentgh of time without communication with the surface or external atmosphere and without the least fatigue or exhaustion to the men.
2nd That of sinking and raising his boat at pleasure making repeated immersions and emersions.
3rd Ability of the men to leave and return to the boat while under water.
4th Ability of a man leaving the boat to live for a liength of time, breathing by means of a tube connected with the boat.
?
services of this distinguished ? Engineer would be very valuable to the Government and the possesion of his invention would be an acquisition of the greatest importance. It is evident that in the event of war, with a foreigh power the mere knowledge that we possessed such a mysterious invisible engine of destruction, would have the effect of production great caution on the part of invating fleet in our waters, causing apprehension and alarm in the minds of those on board as to their safety while lying at anchor in a river or a roadstead.
The examination of the Telescope called for in your order, has not been made [it] having been brought to our note by the inventor.
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Lincoln, Abraham, 9/26/1861
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Lincoln, Abraham
Dated: 9/26/1861
Summary/Transcript
To His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln
President of the
Sir,
In the grave circumstances which threatens the Union of this glorious country and perhaps its Indipendence, in the end, no means whatever, defensive or offensive, shoult be neglected, for courage and the holiness of the cause are sometimes in vain to restore order and to make the right triumph. Victory too often leans toward force and statagems. In war, the best system, beyond all doubt is that one which at the same time that it economized men and moneycan present results the most prompt and decisive; in other words that can produce great effects with little means. In this train of thought; I wish to propose to you a new arm of war as formidable as it is economical. Submarine navigatin which has been sometimes attempted but as all know without results owing to a want of suitable opportunities and necessary improvements is now a probelmatical thing no more. The last experiment which have been made at New Castle and at Marcus Hook on the Delaware River have demonstrated positively that with a submarine that like mine wiell constructed and properly equipped, is becomes an easy matter to ? the enemy coast to land men, ammunition etc, at a given point, to enter harbors, to keep up intelligence to carry explosive bombs unter the very keels of vessels that, without being seen. With a vew such boats, manned by about a dozen men, the most formidable fleet could be annihilated ina short time. The one that I have experimented with is thirty five feen in length is built of iron and is finish with a screw propeller. It cam be made to gow on the surface of the water at any depth almost below and without any communicatin whatever with the external atmosphere. When under water the men can go out of the boat to perform any work, to remove any object fromt eh bottom, etc,, and come in again withoub the least difficulity (See the ? and United States Gazette hereinclosed [clippings]).
After this comunication, Sir, should you ? my services to be
profitable to the grand cause of the
The original in the Archives should be examined for the text of the last two lines.
I have the honor to be, with distinguised
Consideration, Your Excellency’s
Most Obedient Servant
De Villeroi civil engineer
September 4, 1861.
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Welles, Gideon
Dated: 10/16/1861
Summary/Transcript Bureau of Yards and Docks
16 Oct 1861
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the reference to this Bureaus of the report of the Board of Officers of whom Captain Hoff of the Navy was the Senior, on the plan and performance of a submarine apparatus by Mr De Villerio and beg to submit the following remarks.
I have
given the report a cursory examination and find that some of the feabures of
this invention have been used by Professor Ryerson of
Have been quite satisfactory to the Board, but in my opinion the trial was made on too small a scale to test the efficiency of such a vessel for war purposes.
For many years the ingenuity of man has been taxed to invent a means of destroying an enemy's vessels by attaching explosive machines to their bottoms, but such means have not to my knowledge, ever yet proved successful. There is a difficulty iof hold on whilst attaching the instrument of destruction to the vessel, when the operators cannot touch the bottom. In in fer that a vessel could be constructed upon this proposed plan, which would enable those trained in the work to move at pleasure under waters at a slow rate of speed, provided the current be not to great, and the compass be properly adjusted to the interior
If the boat proposed by the inventor can be propelled at the rate of three miles per hour, and the persons working it can detach themselves from it and operate outside, returning to it in safety, the invention might prove useful against vessels in an enemy's port or in a roadstead.
To make a more extended and perfect test, a boat should be built under the direction of the inventor, the cost of which I am informed will not exceed $14,000 and men employed who are trained to work it - Such a vessel could be used for war purposes as well as for general submarine explorations.
The
inventor and his friends propose to enter into contract with the Government for
a given sum, to destroy the vessels in the
To both parties, proviede the price to be paid is limited to the amount of damage influence on the enemy.
How for the Department may feel disposed to patronise this invention by a futher test of its merits, or by contracting with the owners to perform certain service for a stipulated sum is for you to decide.
The report of the Board is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION:
From: Contract for Alligator
To:
Dated: 11/1/1861
Summary/Transcript
This agreement, made and entered
into this first day of November, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty one,
between Martin Thomas of one part and the
First: The party of the first part will construct and deliver to the party of the second part within forty (40) days from the date of this agreement, an Iron Submarine Propeller of the plan of M. de Villeroi, at least fifty six inches (56") in width and sixty six (66") inches in height and forty five feet in length, for the sum of fourteen thousand dollars to be paid when completed and delivered, ready for use within ten days after delivery and certificate is in all respects ready for service.
Second: The government of the United States will employ M. de Villeroi to superintend the construction of said propeller, as well as in its employment for actual service when required, and agrees to pay him for his full services at the rate of two thousand dollars per annum whilst thus employed, his pay to commence with the date of this agreement: also to pay reasonable wages to the crew of said propeller, and to transport it from Philadelphia to the place or places where the Secretary of the Navy direct it to be used.
Third: In case the said de Villeroi shall perform valuable services with said propeller for the United
States by the destruction of an
enemy's ship or vessel by direction of the Secretary of the Navy and to his
satisfaction, then the government of the
Fourth: The secret of said invention shall be divulged by the inventor, M. de Villeroi, under his solemn oath or affirmation in a written paper subscribed by him to be sealed and deposited with the Chief of Bureau of Yards and Docks, with the certificate thereon of Mr. W.L. Hirst that he has carefully examined the paper and firmly believes it to be of the secret of said invention, not to be opened until after the payment of said eighty six thousand dollars, or the death, disability or dereliction of duty of the inventor shall occur.
Fifth: The said invention shall not be used by or the secret divulged to any government, power or individual without the consent in writing of both parties to this agreement.
In
the presence of
/s/ Martin Thomas
/s/ Gideon Welles
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CITATION:
From: ? For crew
To:
Dated: 11/1/1861
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Welles, Gideon
Dated: 11/1/1861
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 11/1/1861
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 11/1/1861
Summary/Transcript
De Villeroi, B
Civil Engineer
By order of the Secretary of the Navy, you are hereby appointed and put in charge of the construction of the iron sub-marine Propeller, on your plan under the contract of this date with Mr. Martin Thomas - the vessel to be built in Philadephia - you to select the crew, on terms to be approved by the Department, to work the same when completed.
Your pay will be at the rate of $2000 per annum for the time you shall be employed by the Navy Department to be paid monthly.
You will employ only such men for the crew of the vessel as may be absolutely necessary for your purposes and the Navy Department will furnish more men when you requre them.
You will please be particular in the construction of this Propeller that no mistake be made and that it be well provided according to Contract in all respects, for immediate action in the service intended, of which you have been invormed.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph, 12/4/1861
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 12/4/1861
Summary Asking Smith to certify correctness of bills and
where in
Page two points out what deVilleroi thinks is an error in his payment and
" I think Sir it is convenient that our correspondence be direct. I am your engineer and not that of a contractor. {This is a possible source of misunderstanding as his appointment letter specifically states 'put in charge of construction …under the contract of this date with Mr. Martin Thomas'}.
Page 3 is crew list of men hired and dates of hire.
Page 4 approves payment of $200 (40 each for four men and 10 each bounty)
Note: It would appear that De Villeroi may have advanced wages for 13 more men on 1,10 and 20 December.
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 12/5/1861
Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
5 December 1861
Thomas, Martin
I
enclose approved bills for services of four operatives on the Submarine
Propeller under your contract - also agreement to serve, with the oath of
allegiance to be subscribed before a magistrate authority to administer oath -
the oath of allegiance is to [be] adminsitered to M. de Villerio also, as an
employee of the Government. You will not
deliver the bills befor the agreement is signed and the oaths administered the
condition being complied with, the ?? after you have certified to them corect,
may be presented to the Navy Agent at
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph, 12/7/1861
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 12/7/1861
Transcript
December 7th 1861
(recd 10 Dec)
Sir
As inventor of the Propeller and Superintendent of its construction it becomes my duty to submit some observations in the interest of this extraordinary work in the contract for which it would have been well to consult me.
At this moment, the boat is almost entirely finished and the contractor has hastened it with all possible dispatch but the forms differ so much from ordinary construction that it was scarcely possible for him to appreciate fully the question of time requisite for the work.
The bulk being almost entirely finished it would be proper and even essential to take suitable time for the completion of the delicate pieces of the interior for in a work for this importance the success of the operation and even the lives of the men ought not to be risked for want of a few days more than the contract calls for which might be the effect of hurrying the work on the details which require greatest care.
I therefore beg you to grant me fifteen or twenty days more and on my part I shall neglect everything in every kind of improvements which may assist in producing full success.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
De Villeroi, M
And Martin Thomas Commodore J
NB. I have engaged the services of five more men to commence from the first of December and amoung the five thus engaged have four of my old crew.
{Note: DeVillerio had already billed for 13 men}
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 12/9/1861
Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
9 December 1861
Thomas, Martin
Your contract for the delivery of the submarine Propeller, ready for service in all respects expires tomorrow.
Please state if the vessel will then be ready, as the Department must arrange for removing her to the field of action
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 12/10/1861
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 12/10/1861
Summary/Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
10 December 1861
Villeroi B
Your letter of the 7th inst has been received.
The contract for the completion of the Propeller expires today. Upon the representation of the Contractor, Mr. Thomas of the causes of the delay, fifteen days extension of the time for completion of the vessel hase been granted, within which time it must be ready. That your were not consulted as to the time for constructing the vessel is no fault of mine.
Why do you want more men before the propeller is ready?
I presume you do not propose all your men alike but according to their ability and efficiency. No further bounty can be allowed.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 12/11/1861
Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
10 December 1861
Thomas, Martin
Your contract for the Submarine Propeller expires today.
Upon your statement that the failure in the manufacture of some of the parts for the vessel caused the delay, fifteen days extension is hereby granted for its completion.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
[note]
For memorandum to this letter see page 141 [in contract book]
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 12/20/1861
Transcript
Dec 20 1861
Commodore Joseph Smith
Chief of the Bureau
Dear Sir
In view
of the threatened trouble with
M. de Villerio has put his invention in writing and I have read it and sealed it up as provided in the contract, and signed the Certificate. I have no doubt of its success
With great respect
Yours truly
W.L. Hirst
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 12/21/1861
Transcript
[from]Bureau of Yards and Docks
21 December 1861
[to]Hirst W.L
I have yours of the 20th instant. The Navy Department will not order any more of M. de Villerio's Submarine Propellers till after the one now contracted for shall have been tried. If it performs all that the inventor sets forth. No doubt more will be required.
I presume you translated the description of M. de Villeroi's secret, and certified that it truly describes the invention.
Very Respectfully
Jos Smith
---------
CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 12/22/1861
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 12/28/1861
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph, 12/29/1861
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 12/29/1861
Transcript
Philadelphis, December 29th 1861
Commodore Joseph Smith
Sir
I have the honor to send the list of the new men of my equipage.
According
to your instructions, I have delayed their engagement as long as possible, but
I could not leave to the last day to complete the number, as the men I need are
scarce and must be taken as soon as they are formed. Too many persons of high standing in the
present circumstances give the example fo treason and insubordination, to be
prudent to trust the first comer among sailors.
Consequently my crew is entirely composed of French. No because they are better, than other in
other respect, but I am sure of their fidelity and obedience. Moreover they learn during the constructin ot
get familiar with the pieces, wich they have to manuver afterward. And even afte the workmen have left and on
Sundays they help me prepare the work for the next day. I only wnt the divers, but they are difficult
to find at this season. I am obliged to
go to
As to the bounty, if you can not grant anything under that name, it is possible to pass that miserable small sum of ten dollars under the title of recruiting and traveling expenses. Reliable men of good conduct who devote themselves to an exceptional services for the national cause deserve well some little favor.
If the contractor had been willing to pay more liberally to have the work done on Sunday or in the night as it is done in the workshop, there would have been no delay. As to me,I work day and night at the plans and surveying a good esecution.
I have the honor to be
Respectfully
Yours
Very humble servant
DeVilleroi.
Attached:
In the account of my salary for Novermber there was a little mistake in the numbers. The twelfth part of $2000 is 166.66 instead of 164.40 which was put down.
I think sir it is convenient that our correspondence be direct. I am your engineer and not that of a contractor
Following is my address:
De
Villerio #
(and a list of men employed)
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 1/3/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 1/3/1862
Transcript
De Villeroi, B
Your letter of the 29th ultimo has been received
I am happy to correspond with you but in matters of the Contract-the Department knows no one but Mr. Thomas.
There is no authority for paying bounty to the crew of the vessel. You can get your divers if the contractor authorizes it. The Department notified Mr. Thomas that in as much as the completion of the vessel had been delayed so long beyond the time agreed upon, the vessel moved not be received and paid for, until she shall have been tested.
Your salary for November was computed according to the regulations of the treasury at so much for the month of thirty days.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 1/3/1862
Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
3 January 1862
Thomas, Martin
Mr De Villeroi writes to the Bureau saying that he desires to employ divers. The Department does not object to it but prefers that the boat should be fitted for use and tested before further expense is incurred.
In enclose blank oaths of alligance in case more men shall be engaged which the Department will sanction if the vessel is completed within a reasonable time and shall prove satisfactory.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph, 1/18/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 1/18/1862
Summary
De Villeroi states the work is at last finished needing only to be assembled. He makes an argument for using his men to assemble the work and that he has been using them. He states that "I will not give my certificate untill after the trial of all the pieces connected, and after taking the ballast of lead as well as some pieces of platina, which have not yet been furnished to me." "The boat moves by the means of 18 side propellers, invisible above the water. It can turn round in a small space and will sail backward in case of necessity." He wants to know who will furnish the manufacture of torpedos.
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 1/22/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 1/22/1862
Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
22 January 1862
De Villeroi, B
Your letter of the 18th inst. has been received.
I have approved and enclosed your bill for services and our of the crew of the Propeller for the month of December and twenty one day's services from the 10th. To the 31st December of the thirteen men last engaged, the whole amounting to $682.12. The money to pay your November bills was drawn for by the Bureau some weeks ago.
No further payments will be made until the Propeller shall have been completed and tested.
The Bureau knows no party by the contractor so far as furnishing of the vessel is concerned, and shall look to him to provide all the explosive apparatus to make here in complete in all respects. He had been invormed that the extended time for completing the vessel has expired and the delay may cause the rejection of the vessel - In no event will she be accepted except upon satisfactory trial.
The charge for the crew of the vessel without performing any services in her is unusual and will be discontinued - As to the Divers, the question of them employment and pay will be decided when the vessel is furnished ready for service.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph, 1/18/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 1/18/1862
Transcript
Bureau of Yards and Docks
23 January 1862
Thomas, Martin
The delay in completing the Sub-Marine Propeller has extended so far beyond the time stipulated in the contract that the department will be obliged to relinquish the enterprize althogether.
Respectfully
Your Obdt Svt
Jos. Smith
---------
CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 1/29/1862
Summary/Transcript
Smith tells Thomas that if the boat is ready in all
respects, for action, the department may desire to ship her in the "
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CITATION:
From: Martin, Thomas
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 1/29/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph, 1/30/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 1/30/1862
Summary
De Villeroi states that if there hadn't been ice in the river and it was not a favorable time to try the differenct manoevores. "I am waiting yet for the pieces of platina, the compass, the torpedoes, etc. without which I cannot make certain operations, that must insure the complete success of the system.
The constructor [Neafie and Levy] has shown much good will for the accessories in the construction but the chemical galvanic things are too strange to him, to advance the money for them as he is not himself the contractor."
"As soon as the river will be free from ice, … I shall put the boat in operation. In the meanwhile I shall get it painted."
"I have not received a cent for December and my men must live however".
S/
De Villeroi
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 1/31/1862
Transcript
Thomas, Martin
Your letter of the 29th instant has been received.
If the
boat is not ready to to on the
Respectfully
Your Obdt Svt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 2/1/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 2/1/1862
Transcript
De Villeroi, B
Your letter of the 30 ulto has been recd.
The Bureau will endeavour to have funds forwarded to pay your bills thus far approved. The Bureau fears your plan will not succeed. It was regarded a doubtful experiment, but one which would warrant the expense of a trial.
The Contractor should furnish you with all your require or give up the enterprise at once.:
Respectfully
Your Obdt Svt
Jos. Smith
---------
CITATION:
From: Martin, Thomas
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 2/3/1862
Summary
"Several days ago…I had the propeller at the water's edge full expecting to launch that day. Mr deVilleroi however countermanded the orders, and insisted in certain modifications being previously made, namely that the wings or guards which were riveted on must be torn off and put on with hinges to enable him to raise them to back water.
This with more additional orders will be excecuted today, - and from this evening as I and the contractors under me have then performed faithfully our parts, the sole responsibility of any further delay will rest exclusively upon Mr. De Villerio.
I think if your were to convey to him an intimation that he will not receive the pay for himselfe and crew unless the boat is accepted by the Department and not until it is accepted it would expedite matters - that his pay bills were sent out under the impression that the boat would by that time be ready and tested, based on my statemetn to you personelly of the time then required which was upon Mr De Villerio authorization, etc.
I think you will understand me and not suppose my conficence in the ability - of the boat at all shaken - but the inventor has been suffering with a very bad coled for some time which may create a repugnance in him to operate [in] this severe weather. An at any rate I think the hint could do no harm.
S/Martin Thomas
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 2/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 2/6/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 2/6/1862
Summary/Transcript Bureau of Yards and Docks
6 February 1862
De Villeroi, M
No further payments will be made to you or your crew until after the Propeller shall have been transported to the place appointed for her operations and she shall have been satisfactorily tested
The delay in her completion has prevented the Government from transporting and employing her when and where it was originally designed she should be used.
Resectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt
Jos. Smith
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 2/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph , 2/14/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 2/14/1862
Summary/Transcript
Commodore Joseph Smith
Sir,
The
propeller is finished and ready to be put in the water. You must not take the effect for the
cause. I have made use of the delay to
correct several accessory pieces, and to give the boat two coats of paint
inside and outside. This work might have
been done just as well elsewhere than in
But contractors of that nature look only to one thing in their contract, and that is to have the largest possible som left to be pocketed. For all the rest they care little. But in my threefold position of inventor, superintendenat and commander of the boat, I cannot enter such consideration and I must let slip unnoticed the threats as well as the fine promises.
According to your last very positive instruction the contractor is to furnish me all I need for the complement of the boat, or is to remit his contract to another. I think it necessary to come to that, in order to come to an end, and charge Mr. Neafy (sic) or another solvable person to takk all the bills into hs account the amount will be far from the granted sum of fourteen thousand dollars.
All the objects I require can be found ready made at the merchants, but it is necessary to pay or inspire them with sufficient confintence to get them without money. Those objects are two hydraulic jacks, a compass, a telescope giving distances, two pieces of platina or silver, a chest and some tools etc. The torpedos have been commenced a fortnight ago but are not finished yet. Also the compement of the ballast of lead is needed.
As to the doubt in the success of that new weapon I beg you not to share it Doubt is always the first thing that is thrown on anything that seems extraordinary. For instance the steam navigation, the railroads, the electric telegraph, etc, etc.
Expecting yours orders on the above, I have the honor to be
Your obedient servant
De Villeroi, M
P.S. Having been informed of some evil design against the propeller, when it will be in the water, I beg you, Commodore, to authorize me to put in safety in one of the basins of the Navy Yard until departure.
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 2/15/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 2/15/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 2/24/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph , 2/25/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 2/25/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 2/26/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 2/27/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 2/27/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Martin, Thomas, 3/1/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 3/1/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph , 3/8/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 3/8/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Martin, Thomas
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 3/8/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Lincoln, Abraham, 3/8/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Lincoln, Abraham
Dated: 3/8/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 3/11/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 3/13/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 3/14/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Welles, Gideon, 3/29/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Welles, Gideon
Dated: 3/29/1862
Summary/Transcript
Microfilm M518 Roll 17 Volume 46-47
Bureau of Yards and Docks
3rd April 1862
Sir.
In the matter of the petition of Louis Hemet and others, referred
by you to this Bureau, asking payment for services rendered in connection with
the Submarine Propeller building under contract with Martin Thomas of
On the 1st of November last the Department entered into Contract with Mr. Thomas to construct a Submarine Propeller on the plan of M. De Villeroi, to be completed in forty days. The contract provided that the workn shal be done under the direction of and the vessel shall be operated by, the said De Villeroi, who is to receive a fixed compensation from the Government, and have the selection of the crew for working the vessel, subject to the approval of the Department. Mr. De Villeroi was accordingly appointed Superintendent and proceeded to organize his crew with the sanction of the Bureau, receiving payment in full for his and their service to the 31st of December last. Owing however, to the failure of the contractor within the time agreed upon after it had been extended much beyond the period stipulated in the contract, the Bureau notified the superintendent De Villeroi on the 22nd of January that no further payment would be made to him or his crew until the vessel should have been completed and tested. Of course the Bureau considered their services to be dropped by the Government on receipt of that communication until further orders. The Bureau considers the Superintendent and crew entitled to pay to that day and no longer under its instrutions.
In consequence of a disagreement between the contractor and the Superintendent in feference to the details of construction, the vessel remains to this day unfinished.
If the Deparemtent has directed the employment of these men since the Bureau’s notice that no further payments would be made till after the test, it may reasonably be supposed that something is due since that period. The Bureau will approve bills up to January 24th the date that its order of suspension of pay was received.
The petition referred to is herwith returned.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
Jos. Smith
Honorable
Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Navy
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CITATION:
From: Welles, Gideon
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 4/8/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 4/10/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Martin, Thomas
Dated: 4/11/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Welles, Gideon, 4/11/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Welles, Gideon
Dated: 4/11/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph , 4/12/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 4/12/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 4/14/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 4/14/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 4/14/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 4/18/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 4/18/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 4/19/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 4/19/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 4/19/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 4/19/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 4/28/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph , 5/2/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/2/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 5/3/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 5/3/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/1/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 5/5/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 5/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 5/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/5/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/6/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/6/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 5/7/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 5/7/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Welles, Gideon, 5/7/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Welles, Gideon
Dated: 5/7/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 5/7/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/8/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, De Villeroi, Brutus to Smith, Joseph , 5/10/1862
From: De Villeroi, Brutus
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/10/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/11/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION: NARA RG71, Misc. Ltrs. Sent and Recd, Bureau of Yards and Docks 1861-1863, Smith, Joseph to De Villeroi, Brutus, 5/12/1862
From: Smith, Joseph
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 5/12/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Welles, Gideon
To: De Villeroi, Brutus
Dated: 5/12/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Smith, Joseph
To: Hirst, W. L.
Dated: 5/13/1862
Summary/Transcript
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CITATION:
From: Hirst, W. L.
To: Smith, Joseph
Dated: 5/12/1862
Summary/Transcript
Dear Sir
I wrote yesterday to you, on hearing the glorious
It is necessary to have a head in the place of M. Devilleroi, on the boat. W. Wiberhe[?][?]who was on the Expedition to Sebastapol to rais the sunken ships warmly recommends Mr. Samuel Eakin who was 18 months at that Submarine work, and exhibited the patent courage, skill of activity there. For his fitness, he [?][?] If you can rely on the tesemony of Mr. W[?]. Mr. Eakins was on board the boat today. He expressed in[?]most perfect confidence in its [?]. Mr. E is a practical electrician, and perfectly experienced in submarine employment([?]) If you approve, I will ascertain his terms.
Mr. DeVilleroi is not yet heard from, if I consider that he, for some inexplicable reason, abandoned the matter. I have acted acted accordingly pursuant to your instructions.
Mr. Thomas is pushing [?] on the boat. It was tried while Mr Eakins was on board, I and propelled nearly submerged with 12 fins faster than was expected of her.
The Commander has [?] the boat and I am daily in expectation of being ready for the test trial
Respectfully
W L Hirst
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CITATION:
From: Crewlist
To:
Dated: