I am aware that Edward W. Serrell was sent to New York by Ben Butler in 1864 to proceed with plans to build a flying machine and that plans and drawings had been made for his heavier than air machine. I have read Serrill's letter published in SCIENCE on the topic but nothing further....I am looking for more information and perhaps a drawing or a sketch of his machine. Help?
-
Welcome to CivilWarTalk, a forum about the American Civil War! - Join today! It's fast, simple, and FREE!
Yankee Flying Machine Help
- Thread starter KKauff
- Start date
AndyHall
Colonel
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2011
Serrell seems to have quite a wide-ranging engineer. I don't have anything on his flying machine, but here's a postwar design of his for a suspension bridge over the Hudson, from Scientific American.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME VI, Chapter XV [S# 6]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations On The Coasts Of South Carolina, Georgia, And Middle And East Florida From August 21, 1861, To April 11, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#1
Organization of the Expeditionary Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, October 28, 1861.
Troops not brigaded.
1st New York Engineers, Col. Edward W. Serrell.
3d Rhode Island, Col. Nathaniel W. Brown.
3d U.S. Artillery, Battery E, Capt. John Hamilton.
------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME VI, Chapter XV [S# 6]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations On The Coasts Of South Carolina, Georgia, And Middle And East Florida From August 21, 1861, To April 11, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3
ORGANIZATION OF THE EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, FEBRUARY 28, 1862.
First Brigade.
Brig. Gen. EGBERT L. VIELE.
[excerpt]
Troops not brigaded.
98th Massachusetts, Col. Wm. Montieth.
1st New York Engineers, Col. E W. Serrell.
45th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas Welsh.
76th Pennsylvania, Col. John M. Power.
3d Rhode Island, Col. Nathaniel W. Brown.
1st Massachusetts Cavalry, Col. Robert Williams.
1st Connecticut Battery, Capt. A. P. Rockwell.
3d U.S. Artillery, Battery E, Capt. John Hamilton.
---------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIV [S# 20]
OCTOBER 22-23, 1862.--Skirmish at Coosawhatchie and engagements at the Caston and Frampton Plantations, near Pocotaligo, S.C.
No. 1.--Report of Maj. Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., October 24, 1862.
GENERAL: My third expedition to the main-land returned last night. The expedition was designed to accomplish the following objects:
[excerpt]
Every pains had been taken to secure as far as possible success for the expedition. Scouts and spies had been sent to the main-land to all the most important points between the Savannah River railroad bridge and the bridge across the Salkehatchie. A small party was sent out to cut, if possible, the telegraph wires. Scouts had been sent in boats up the tributaries of the Broad River. All the landings had been examined, and' the depth of water in the several rivers ascertained as far as practicable. Two of our light-draught transports have been converted into formidable gunboats and are now heavily armed, to wit, The Planter and the George Washington. By my orders the New York Mechanics and Engineers, Colonel Serrell, had constructed two very large flat-boats, or scows, each capable of transporting half a battery of artillery, exclusive of the caissons, with the horses. They were provided with hinged aprons, to facilitate the landing not only of artillery but of troops from the transports.
[excerpt]
The greatest activity prevailed on the railroad, and trains of cars with troops appear to have been sent from both Charleston and Savannah. I have planned three other expeditions, but am so deficient in troops that I am compel1ed to recruit my forces after each expedition, and this delay is disastrous. I most earnestly beg for re-enforcements, that our blows may fall with far greater rapidity, and thus secure more perfect success. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
O. M. MITCHEL,
Major-general, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in- Chief Washington, D. C.
-----------
There are lots of O.R. Reports with Colonel Serrell involved. Nothing found on the flying machine though.
M. E. Wolf
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations On The Coasts Of South Carolina, Georgia, And Middle And East Florida From August 21, 1861, To April 11, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#1
Organization of the Expeditionary Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, October 28, 1861.
Troops not brigaded.
1st New York Engineers, Col. Edward W. Serrell.
3d Rhode Island, Col. Nathaniel W. Brown.
3d U.S. Artillery, Battery E, Capt. John Hamilton.
------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME VI, Chapter XV [S# 6]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations On The Coasts Of South Carolina, Georgia, And Middle And East Florida From August 21, 1861, To April 11, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3
ORGANIZATION OF THE EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, FEBRUARY 28, 1862.
First Brigade.
Brig. Gen. EGBERT L. VIELE.
[excerpt]
Troops not brigaded.
98th Massachusetts, Col. Wm. Montieth.
1st New York Engineers, Col. E W. Serrell.
45th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas Welsh.
76th Pennsylvania, Col. John M. Power.
3d Rhode Island, Col. Nathaniel W. Brown.
1st Massachusetts Cavalry, Col. Robert Williams.
1st Connecticut Battery, Capt. A. P. Rockwell.
3d U.S. Artillery, Battery E, Capt. John Hamilton.
---------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIV [S# 20]
OCTOBER 22-23, 1862.--Skirmish at Coosawhatchie and engagements at the Caston and Frampton Plantations, near Pocotaligo, S.C.
No. 1.--Report of Maj. Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., October 24, 1862.
GENERAL: My third expedition to the main-land returned last night. The expedition was designed to accomplish the following objects:
[excerpt]
Every pains had been taken to secure as far as possible success for the expedition. Scouts and spies had been sent to the main-land to all the most important points between the Savannah River railroad bridge and the bridge across the Salkehatchie. A small party was sent out to cut, if possible, the telegraph wires. Scouts had been sent in boats up the tributaries of the Broad River. All the landings had been examined, and' the depth of water in the several rivers ascertained as far as practicable. Two of our light-draught transports have been converted into formidable gunboats and are now heavily armed, to wit, The Planter and the George Washington. By my orders the New York Mechanics and Engineers, Colonel Serrell, had constructed two very large flat-boats, or scows, each capable of transporting half a battery of artillery, exclusive of the caissons, with the horses. They were provided with hinged aprons, to facilitate the landing not only of artillery but of troops from the transports.
[excerpt]
The greatest activity prevailed on the railroad, and trains of cars with troops appear to have been sent from both Charleston and Savannah. I have planned three other expeditions, but am so deficient in troops that I am compel1ed to recruit my forces after each expedition, and this delay is disastrous. I most earnestly beg for re-enforcements, that our blows may fall with far greater rapidity, and thus secure more perfect success. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
O. M. MITCHEL,
Major-general, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in- Chief Washington, D. C.
-----------
There are lots of O.R. Reports with Colonel Serrell involved. Nothing found on the flying machine though.
M. E. Wolf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_W._Serrell
excerpt:
During the Civil War, Colonel Serrell was in 126 actions. He was the chief engineer of the Department of the South until the 10th Corps moved to the Army of the James. He was the chief engineer of the 10th Corps and the Army of the James, and became chief of staff for that army, being brevetted a brigadier general. He contributed many useful inventions including long wire, armor plate, impromptu gun carriages, and iron viaducts. After the war, he published many reports on railroads and canals, was consulting engineer to many corporations, president of the Washington County Railroad[disambiguation needed], projected an interocean canal from San Blas to Pearl Island Harbor, and was the consulting engineer to the American Isthmus Ship Canal Company. He was listed as an honorary pallbearer at the funeral of Ulysses S. Grant. He even sketched his idea for a flying machine.
---------
http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1394
----------
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.co...ive-story-petersburg-national-battlefield8447
M. E. Wolf
excerpt:
During the Civil War, Colonel Serrell was in 126 actions. He was the chief engineer of the Department of the South until the 10th Corps moved to the Army of the James. He was the chief engineer of the 10th Corps and the Army of the James, and became chief of staff for that army, being brevetted a brigadier general. He contributed many useful inventions including long wire, armor plate, impromptu gun carriages, and iron viaducts. After the war, he published many reports on railroads and canals, was consulting engineer to many corporations, president of the Washington County Railroad[disambiguation needed], projected an interocean canal from San Blas to Pearl Island Harbor, and was the consulting engineer to the American Isthmus Ship Canal Company. He was listed as an honorary pallbearer at the funeral of Ulysses S. Grant. He even sketched his idea for a flying machine.
---------
http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1394
----------
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.co...ive-story-petersburg-national-battlefield8447
- Finley Hunt's Flying Machine | History of Flight | Air & Space ...
www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/Finley-Hunts-Flying-Machine.html
Sep 30, 2011 ... Designs for a fanciful Civil War airplane fetch big bucks at auction. ... Hunt to Robert E. Lee, who in turn directed him to Colonel Jeremy F. Gilmer, Chief ... On the Union side, Edward Serrell, Chief Engineer of the Union Army of ... - [PDF]
United States Air Force History: An Annotated ...
www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101104-006.pdf
literature about military aviation and aviators, and their deeds in war ..... Civil War: The Story of Thad- .... Serrell, Edward W. "A Flying .... Army Flying Machine. .....Col. Bolling was later killed at the front. Bowen, Robert S. They Flew to. Glory ...
- [PDF]
M - Air Force Historical Studies Office
www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101104-027.pdf
M began in the early days of the Civil War when the ..... take over the balloon department, but the Colonel insisted that he .... Corps), expressed the belief that a machine could be made that would navigate the air. He ordered. Edward W. Serrell, an engineer, to report officially ..... from Paris to Flying Dales, England, to win the ...
[ More results from www.afhso.af.mil ]
- Second Story Books - Appraisal List
www.secondstorybooks.com/appraisal_list.php- Similarto Second Story Books - Appraisal List
Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American Art, Col. ... U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, photos by Charles Alexander of the War Crimes Tribunal at Nuremberg University of Maryland, Gordon W. Prange Collection, comprehensive archive ...... pertaining to engineer Edward Serrell's attempt to build a flying machine he ...
- The Public "I": AVENGING ANGEL
thepublici.blogspot.com/2009/02/avenging-angel.html
Feb 14, 2009 ... Col Serrell and an aide spent the day wandering across the slat .... during the Civil War, including the development of a steam-powered "Flying ... - [PDF]
Views - Defense Technical Information Center
www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=AD0733892
literature about military aviation and aviators, and t,,r deeds in war and peace. ..... Haydon Frederick S. Aeronau- cences of Ballooning in the Civil ties in the Union ... Serrell, Edward W. "A Flying. The author credits Thaddeus S. C. Machine in the Army. ..... Col. Boiling was later. Army School of Military Aero- killed at the front.
M. E. Wolf
AndyHall
Colonel
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2011
For those interested, here's the Science letter KKauff mentions.
To all that responded thank you!
I have uploaded the article that I wrote for my local Civil War Round Table on the topic, if anyone is interested and might want to know what the beast looked like.
I actually stumbled across the sketches of the Reconoiterer whilst doing research on the Marsh Battery...go figure!
Kind regards,
KKauff
I have uploaded the article that I wrote for my local Civil War Round Table on the topic, if anyone is interested and might want to know what the beast looked like.
I actually stumbled across the sketches of the Reconoiterer whilst doing research on the Marsh Battery...go figure!
Kind regards,
KKauff
AndyHall
Colonel
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2011
Excellent, thanks.
AndyHall
Colonel
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2011
I highly doubt that the Reconoiterer would have ever gotton off the ground at 8 1/2 tons.....at some point I will have to get around to calculating how much thrust it would have taken to get that coal bucket off the ground.
At the very least, it would have not been necessary to tie the thing down, not even in a hurricane.
KKauff
At the very least, it would have not been necessary to tie the thing down, not even in a hurricane.
KKauff
Barrycdog
Major
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2013
- Location
- Buford, Georgia
I am not sure if this is true but it was also recorded in the Scientific American
Southern Recorder, Aug. 22, 1865 -- page 1
Experiments with a Flying Machine
A correspondent with the Chicago Tribune, writing from Minneapolis Minnesota, gives the annexed account of an extraordinary flying machine, and a novel aerial experiment with it.
This morning at 11.00 o'clock, the hour appointed, we were promptly at Mr. Smiths store and found him ready to start. At the door stood two teams of wagons, one of which contained what I supposed to be a canvas tent, with poles etc. In the other we took our scats. The party consisted of Mr. Smith and his clerk, James McClennan, Captain Cobb and myself; Patrick Riley and Andrew Ward the drivers Six in all. Mr. Smith was enveloped in a large linen duster, which quite concealed his person. During the ride he appeared rather serious and taciturn. In two hours we reached a point about two miles west of the city, and there stopped. The country was a rolling prairie, wholly uncultivated, and with no traveled road for several miles on either side. The canvas, etc. was taken out and spread on the ground, and i found to my amazement, instead of a tent it was an immense kite, made of sail cloth, with a strong jointed frame. It was the kind known as the "house kite," hexagon in form; and when put together was twenty five feet in length, thus containing an area of over five hundred square feet. Its cord the thickness of my little finger but of great strength, having been manufactured to order. The tail of the kite being a light rope ladder. Mr. Smith now threw off his linen duster, and I could scarcely avoid laughing at his extraordinary appearance. Beneath his arm-pits, and extending around his body, there was a copper cylinder, a foot wide from the top and bottom, and about tow feet in diameter. His ordinary clothing had been replaced with a ribbed cloth, made, apparently, all in one piece. Attached to his arms and body were a pair of webbed wings, of strong material, with a light framework of steel. When at rest, these wings - if i may so call them - hung loosely about him like a closed umbrella, and gave him an odd resemblance to the "Green Monster" in the pantomime. Scores of ordinary bladders were fashioned to the suit above mentioned, and equally in every part. Some where close to the body, and others depended at various lengths, form one to three feet. From the mouth of each hollow flexible tube communicated with the cylinder. These if extended would consequently form a network of air tubes. I made these observations hastily, for Mr. Smith at once placed himself on the rope ladder, and requested that the kite, which had been set up on a slight elevation, should be raised. The Captain and myself called out together that he had forgotten his parachute; but he replied impatiently that he did not need it. We declared, however, that we would not permit so foolhardy and experiment unless precaution was taken, and after a little parley he consented.
A steady breeze was now blowing form the southeast. Riley and Ward took their place in the wagon beside the coil of rope; McLennan acted as driver, while Captain Cobb and I remained on the ground as spectators. The horses were started into a gallop, and the kite rose slowly and heavily, but steadily upward. I glanced at my watch; it was twenty minutes past 2 o'clock. The kite continues to rise, with a straight swaying motion, higher and higher. It seemd the daring aeronaut must have become dizzy at his lofty height. Suddenly I was startled by and exclamation from my companion, and indeed noticed a dark object falling from the kite, and fluttering slowly downward. It was the parachute which Mr. Smith had thrown away. The persons in the wagon about a half a mile distant, did not seem to notice the occurrence. Obviously Smith's situation, if his invention should fail, had become one of appalling danger; since it is almost impossible to bring a kite to the ground without a violent and jerking lateral motion. it seemed equally perilous to stop or proceed. Trembling with anxiety, we watched with straining eyes his fast receding form. I had an excellent field glass, which gave me a perfect view of his every motion. And now we noticed that both the bladders and the wings began to expand. Higher he rose but we could detect in his attitude no sign of doubt or trepidation . The bladder soon became distended so as to almost hide the man from view.
He now reaching in elevation as near as I could judge of 1,200 to 1,5000 feet, or a quarter of a mile. He now detached his arms from the ladder, his feet remaining on it, and waved his wings upward and downward as if to try them. For an instant he stood thus, and relinquishing all support he sprang off into the empty air. For a moment my heart stood still. I held my breath, expecting to seem him dashed to the earth. But he did not fall; he did not even seem to tend downward. His wings played with great swiftness, and he floated in a horizontal position, with apparent ease. Again I glanced at my watch; the hand pointed twenty seven minutes before three- The kite, deprived of its ballast, had sunk to the ground. Watching narrowly, it was evident that Mr. Smith was slowly moving forward. It appeared to me that the kite slightly contracted and expanded alternately, as ones chest does in breathing. Of this I could feel absolutely certain, since the appearance may have resulted from the fluttering motion;yet, the Captains opinion coincided with my own. After a few minutes which seemed like hours - We perceived that Mr. Smith had begun to descend. Very gradually this was accomplished, and exactly at a quarter before three he touched the ground. We ran toward him and found that he was considerably exhausted. he responded cheerily however, to our hearty congratulations. As the wagon had already returned, ti did not take long to stow away the kite, etc. and we then returned to the city.
I have thus given a plain and exact account of the most extraordinary occurrence. I will not offer any speculations concerning Mr. Smiths invention, and in fact, do not consider myself at liberty to do so. but I am greatly mistaken in David K. Smith is not soon familiar to the public as on of its greatest benefactors.
Writer of the Article Walter. V. Collins.
Also mentioned in Scientific American magazine
http://books.google.com/books?id=eD...6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=david k smith kite&f=false
Southern Recorder, Aug. 22, 1865 -- page 1
Experiments with a Flying Machine
A correspondent with the Chicago Tribune, writing from Minneapolis Minnesota, gives the annexed account of an extraordinary flying machine, and a novel aerial experiment with it.
This morning at 11.00 o'clock, the hour appointed, we were promptly at Mr. Smiths store and found him ready to start. At the door stood two teams of wagons, one of which contained what I supposed to be a canvas tent, with poles etc. In the other we took our scats. The party consisted of Mr. Smith and his clerk, James McClennan, Captain Cobb and myself; Patrick Riley and Andrew Ward the drivers Six in all. Mr. Smith was enveloped in a large linen duster, which quite concealed his person. During the ride he appeared rather serious and taciturn. In two hours we reached a point about two miles west of the city, and there stopped. The country was a rolling prairie, wholly uncultivated, and with no traveled road for several miles on either side. The canvas, etc. was taken out and spread on the ground, and i found to my amazement, instead of a tent it was an immense kite, made of sail cloth, with a strong jointed frame. It was the kind known as the "house kite," hexagon in form; and when put together was twenty five feet in length, thus containing an area of over five hundred square feet. Its cord the thickness of my little finger but of great strength, having been manufactured to order. The tail of the kite being a light rope ladder. Mr. Smith now threw off his linen duster, and I could scarcely avoid laughing at his extraordinary appearance. Beneath his arm-pits, and extending around his body, there was a copper cylinder, a foot wide from the top and bottom, and about tow feet in diameter. His ordinary clothing had been replaced with a ribbed cloth, made, apparently, all in one piece. Attached to his arms and body were a pair of webbed wings, of strong material, with a light framework of steel. When at rest, these wings - if i may so call them - hung loosely about him like a closed umbrella, and gave him an odd resemblance to the "Green Monster" in the pantomime. Scores of ordinary bladders were fashioned to the suit above mentioned, and equally in every part. Some where close to the body, and others depended at various lengths, form one to three feet. From the mouth of each hollow flexible tube communicated with the cylinder. These if extended would consequently form a network of air tubes. I made these observations hastily, for Mr. Smith at once placed himself on the rope ladder, and requested that the kite, which had been set up on a slight elevation, should be raised. The Captain and myself called out together that he had forgotten his parachute; but he replied impatiently that he did not need it. We declared, however, that we would not permit so foolhardy and experiment unless precaution was taken, and after a little parley he consented.
A steady breeze was now blowing form the southeast. Riley and Ward took their place in the wagon beside the coil of rope; McLennan acted as driver, while Captain Cobb and I remained on the ground as spectators. The horses were started into a gallop, and the kite rose slowly and heavily, but steadily upward. I glanced at my watch; it was twenty minutes past 2 o'clock. The kite continues to rise, with a straight swaying motion, higher and higher. It seemd the daring aeronaut must have become dizzy at his lofty height. Suddenly I was startled by and exclamation from my companion, and indeed noticed a dark object falling from the kite, and fluttering slowly downward. It was the parachute which Mr. Smith had thrown away. The persons in the wagon about a half a mile distant, did not seem to notice the occurrence. Obviously Smith's situation, if his invention should fail, had become one of appalling danger; since it is almost impossible to bring a kite to the ground without a violent and jerking lateral motion. it seemed equally perilous to stop or proceed. Trembling with anxiety, we watched with straining eyes his fast receding form. I had an excellent field glass, which gave me a perfect view of his every motion. And now we noticed that both the bladders and the wings began to expand. Higher he rose but we could detect in his attitude no sign of doubt or trepidation . The bladder soon became distended so as to almost hide the man from view.
He now reaching in elevation as near as I could judge of 1,200 to 1,5000 feet, or a quarter of a mile. He now detached his arms from the ladder, his feet remaining on it, and waved his wings upward and downward as if to try them. For an instant he stood thus, and relinquishing all support he sprang off into the empty air. For a moment my heart stood still. I held my breath, expecting to seem him dashed to the earth. But he did not fall; he did not even seem to tend downward. His wings played with great swiftness, and he floated in a horizontal position, with apparent ease. Again I glanced at my watch; the hand pointed twenty seven minutes before three- The kite, deprived of its ballast, had sunk to the ground. Watching narrowly, it was evident that Mr. Smith was slowly moving forward. It appeared to me that the kite slightly contracted and expanded alternately, as ones chest does in breathing. Of this I could feel absolutely certain, since the appearance may have resulted from the fluttering motion;yet, the Captains opinion coincided with my own. After a few minutes which seemed like hours - We perceived that Mr. Smith had begun to descend. Very gradually this was accomplished, and exactly at a quarter before three he touched the ground. We ran toward him and found that he was considerably exhausted. he responded cheerily however, to our hearty congratulations. As the wagon had already returned, ti did not take long to stow away the kite, etc. and we then returned to the city.
I have thus given a plain and exact account of the most extraordinary occurrence. I will not offer any speculations concerning Mr. Smiths invention, and in fact, do not consider myself at liberty to do so. but I am greatly mistaken in David K. Smith is not soon familiar to the public as on of its greatest benefactors.
Writer of the Article Walter. V. Collins.
Also mentioned in Scientific American magazine
http://books.google.com/books?id=eD...6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=david k smith kite&f=false
Similar threads
- Locked
Similar threads
- Learn About Us
- ►About CivilWarTalk
- ►Contact the Webmaster
- ►Meet the Staff
- ►Link to CivilWarTalk
- Join Our Community
- ►Register
- ►Browse Forums
- ►View Today's Discussions
- ►Search the Forum
- Get Help
- ►FAQ
- ►Student Guide
- ►Forum Rules & Etiquette
- ►Copyright / DMCA
Bringing the