117. NOVEL PROPOSAL FOR RIVER DEFENSE A fascinating A.L.S. of inventor Edward Young, the Engineer and City Surveyor for Norfolk, Va., 2pp. 4to., Norfolk, Va., Feb. 7, 1862 to Governor Joseph E. Brown of Georgia informing him of a new means of river defense utilizing a submerged catapult device to destroy Union ships. He writes in part: "...I have within a few weeks past invented a very efficacious plan entirely differing from any thus far suggested for constructing a drifting also a stationery Submarine Battery the former of which is admirably adapted for drifting along with a deep running stream -- the latter for planting in shallow water say 10 or 12 feet deep and in such places where the vessels of our ruthless and despicable enemy are, or may be likely to invade-I have recently submitted my Plans to the inspection of the most competent judges in this City, also to the Legislature of this State now in Session likewise to their Excellencies the Governors of the Carolinas. Each Battery may probably cost not exceeding $150 and each can be constructed by 2 active working mechanics in about 5 days and am desirous of superintending their construction, if to be brought into action? -- I herewith submit a rough Plan of my Stationary Battery Suitably should be about 4 to 6 feet below the surface of them plated about abreast of each other 15 to 20 feet a sunder, and in direction of a line...any vessel's bottom coming in contact with the wooden cap will consequently force down the latter, by which movement the 2 small levers partake of a similar small movement, thereby forcing down the Trigger lever...to a full cocked position, in which it continues, until the tip end of the small lever...passes off the tip end of the trigger lever...at that instant a terrific explosion must take place under the bottom of the Vandallic foe..." With a very detailed diagram on the second page detailing the device. Usual folds, a few partial separations, otherwise very good. $400-600