The Evansville Daily Journal

From the New York Journal of Commerce.

The Harbor Steam Battery which has been building at Hoboken for a long time past, by Mr. Stevens, is being roofed over, preparatory for winter, as the work has been suspended, except on the engines. It is still carefully screened from public view, and visitors are seldom admitted. The original projector having deceased, the work is carried forward by a surviving brother. Among the estimates of appropriation by the United States Government for the ensuing year, is $86,717 for this enterprise. She has been planked up to the main deck with heavy iron plates, and amidship the planking has been extended several feet higher for the protection of the machinery. It is understood that the other layers of plates are to be added, so as to make a wall at least six inches in thickness, proof against shot and shell. The appropriations already made and expended for this object was $250,000. In addition a large amount has been expended by the builder in the excavation of the dry dock in which to construct the vessel. The length of this iron battery is about 400 feet. She will be equipped with a heavy armament, and furnace for heating shot; and be propelled by steam power at unusual speed. It is asserted that she might run into any ordinary vessel, cutting her in two.

This work was commenced after a long series of experiments, under the supervision of Com. Stewart and Col. Patten, representing the army and navy, to determine the penetrating power of common shot upon plates of iron. Their report was satisfactory, showing that wrought-iron plates 4½ inches in thickness formed a perfect defence against a solid 64 lb shot, fired at a distance of ten yards, or that successive layers of iron plates, with intervening spaces, were equally efficacious. The Secretary of the Navy was soon after authorized to contract for the work here noticed. For harbor defence. Such a craft as this must prove highly efficient, moving about rapidly, choosing its position at pleasure, regardless of the most formidable missiles of the enemy—and hurling its heated shot and other projectiles in every direction, the havoc committed would be fearful. The cost of this "infernal machine," complete has been estimated at $1,000,000.