Capt. Ericsson’s new “Obstruction Remover,” or “Devil,” four of which machines were recently started for Port Royal, only one, however, reaching its destination, the remainder being lost in a gale, Is admirably adapted to the protection of our vessels against torpedoes. A contemporary describes the “Devil” as follows:
An iron frame, floated to the water’s edge by iron sponsors, is pushed ahead of the Monitor as she runs in. Its length, from the bow of the Monitor, is from twenty to thirty feet. An aperture is made next to the vessel of the shape of her bows, intended to receive it. The breadth of the “Obstruction Remover,” as it is called, is twelve feet. From each side of the extremity a strong iron bar or shaft runs down also twelve feet, the Monitor drawing but from eight to ten feet of water, thus rendering it impossible for any torpedoes over which the “Obstruction Remover” passes to injure the vessel. A number of iron bars are used, not only to form a net work so to either push forward or explode every torpedo less than twelve feet under water, but also to strengthen and steady the masts. At the bottom a heavy tie-bar unites these two vertical rods, upon which rests the percussion torpedo, containing 700 pounds of powder. Above this a hammer which catches in a spring so stiff as to require two men to set it, but constructed so that the lever which protrudes in front, forming the handle or other end of the hammer, will cause the spring to give with little pressure. This is to remove “piles.”
The experiments made upon this machine in New York have demonstrated the fact that it is a complete success; and an amount of powder greater than has ever been proposed for any torpedo before, caused no injury to the vessel, and indeed, did not disturb any of the ties of the Devil.” It will be readily seen that under no circumstances can any strain be given to the Monitor, for supposing the apparatus to be destroyed, as it floats independent of the Monitor, supporting itself, the worst that can happen is its loss.
Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, IL