In 1858, U.S. Navy engineer Jackson McElmell participated in the laying of the Atlantic telegraph cable. Several letters in the Jackson McElmell Papers document his assistance with this immense scientific achievement.
U.S. Navy Secretary Isaac Toucey ordered McElmell, a 3rd assistant engineer, to report for duty aboard the U.S. steam frigate “Niagara,” a ship charged with laying the first Atlantic telegraph cable. On April 19, 1858, George Saward, Secretary of the Atlantic Telegraph Company based in London, England, wrote to McElmell to invite him to inspect the machinery to be used in the paying out of the transatlantic cable. Specifically, Saward asked McElmell to report to London “for the purpose of examining its [the machinery’s] capabilities & witnessing its operation.”
On April 24, 1858, Jackson McElmell wrote a letter in reply to Saward about the machinery. McElmell concluded, “I have to state that after witnessing its operation for one whole day I am of the opinion that it is well adapted to the intended purpose & I have no suggestions whatever to make in regards rendering it more perfect.”
More than a year later, on August 23, 1859, the New York Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to McElmell awarding him a medal for assisting in the laying of the transatlantic telegraph cable. Although a problem had occurred after the cable was installed, the Chamber of Commerce stated, “The accident which has for a time delayed the successful working of the Telegraph, has by no means defeated the ultimate attainment of this important object.” The Chamber expressed hope that “daily” communication would be established “with Europe and the more remote parts of the Eastern World.”
The Atlantic Telegraph Company, founded in 1856, made two unsuccessful attempts in 1857 and 1858 to lay the Atlantic cable. The line was completed in August 1858; however, in October of that same year the cable ceased functioning. Complete success was ultimately achieved in 1865. U.S. Navy engineer Jackson McElmell, who later served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War, made a significant contribution to the Atlantic telegraph cable project.
Scott Taylor, Manuscripts Archivist
July 25, 2016