We had this P.M. a
violent storm of rain and wind. The day had previously been exceedingly sultry.
Dickerson, the patent-lawyer, has contrived to get up quite a little fuss in
the matter of steam engines. Paul Forbes, a man of wealth, became Dickersonized
on the subject of engines and cut-offs, and finally offered to build a vessel
on such terms and at his own risks that it would have been hardly excusable to
refuse. By the terms of the contract, the test steamer was to be such as the
Secretary of the Navy should prescribe. When I was notified that the engines of
the Algonquin were completed, preliminary measures as to the test were taken. In
the meantime, Dickerson sent a challenge, which he published in the New York
papers, appealing to the press and others to aid. The test of the Department
was based on the contract and this was called an acceptance of Dickerson's
published challenge. Exceptions are now taken to it as unfair toward Dickerson,
with much ridiculous nonsense, all which goes to advertise the patent lawyer;
when the truth is the Department has nothing to do with Dickerson or his
challenge.
If his engine has
merit, we wish to know it. I am no expert, or engineer; have no feeling or bias
for or against; want the best engine that is made, regardless who is the
inventor, or what the principle, so that it is the best. Not unlikely
Dickerson's scheme or invention has some merit, though the naval engineers
generally think not. If it has, let us know it; but there is a gasconade and
pretension on Dickerson's part that is flabby and disgusting, though indorsed
by certain of the New York presses, which doubtless are paid.
SOURCE: Gideon
Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and
Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 346
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