. A plan for determining by cross bearing when the enemy is in the
field of destruction, and for "making connections" among the torpedo
wires in a certain way and by which (the concurrence of two operators)
becomes necessary for the explosion of any one or more torpedoes. This
plan requires each operator to be so placed, or stationed that a line
drawn straight from them to the place of the torpedoes may intersect as
nearly as practicable at right angles, and it requires the connections
to be such that each operator may put his station in or out of circuit
at will. When the torpedoes are laid, a range from each station is
established for every torpedo or group of torpedoes. When either
operator observes an enemy in range with any torpedo he closes his
circuit for that torpedo. If the enemy before getting out of this range
should enter the range for any torpedo from the other station the
operator then closes his circuit, and discharges the igniting spark.

Consequently if the range belongs to the same torpedo its explosion
takes place. But if not there will be no explosion; hence, here is an
artifice by which explosion becomes impossible when the enemy is not
within the field of destruction, and sure when she is.

Second. The "Electrical Gauge," a contrivance of my own, by means of
which one of the tests which the igniting fuse has to undergo before it
is accepted, is applied. By means of it the operators can telegraph
through the fuse to each other without risk to the torpedoes, and by
which the torpedoes, may without detriment to their explosibility be
tested daily, or as often as required. And thus the operator can at all
times make sure that all is right.

Third. A plan for planting torpedoes where the water is too deep for
them to lie on the bottom and explode with effect, by which they will
not interfere with the navigation of the channel, and by which when the
enemy makes his appearance they may, by the touch of a key be brought
instantly into the required position and at the proper depth.

These contrivances are all very simple; they are readily understood from
verbal instruction, they require neither models or drawings, and enable
the operator chiefly to use the self same wire for testing his torpedoes
daily after they are planted, and then to explode them at will.

Though these torpedoes, owing to the lack in the Confederacy of the
proper materials and appliances for their construction and use, were
make-shi