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[PSUBS-MAILIST] Alligator Project

Hi Submadmans - Silent Service ? 

I work also as naval historian and here is a wreck-project 
witch is maybe more useful for one of the american guys. 

Here is the story : 

Somebody form the Nautilus (Jules Verne) research group
told me that J.Verne was inspirated by a a early submarine
called ALLIGATOR. 

So I did some research and found the following : 

In 1862 the french Villeroi built a small submarine
about 17 feet long and 6 in diameter driven by 16 man. 
Later the US-Goverment bought the project and Villeroi
built (a new ?) Alligator with 35 feet long and 3 feet 6 inch
in diameter , built in 12 iron sections. The divetanks were 
used with a pump. There was some windows and also a small 
sail/tower. Side and Deep controls at the last 5 sections. 

"The Navigator" wrote about the test trails : 
At 16.00 at high tide Villeroi goes on board and the sub 
leave the shore. First the sub take turn around on the surface for 30
Minutes. After that its dive to 16-20 feet. During this dive they
take stones and shells from the bottom. The boat runs underwater
more or less good. After surfacing the boat takes 1,25 hours 
some manovers. Villeroi open the hatch and the visitors on shore 
give greetings. 

After this message in the news "The Navigator" nothing was heard 
again about this sub.  

Later it ws told that Villeroi leave the US with the 10.000 Dollar,
and the sub SUNK during towing without a crew. 

Conclusion: 
- This sub was a forerunner of the Davids and the Huntley with 16 man
  drive the propeller on a crankshaft. 
- It is sunk in the US in a Lake, Harbour or at sea, and maybe still 
  there.
- The "high tide" indicate it must be the open sea, or open water  
  harbor. Not deeper than 16-20 feet.  
- Maybe the sub has an diver look out/in ? 

Seems a good research project for somebody in the US with a small
submarine ..

Any help ? Any possiblity to read the "The Navigator" from 1862 ? 

Source: 	Die Entstehungsgeschichte der U-Boote
		J.F.Lehmanns Verlag München
		Hans Joachim Lawrewtz, Kiel 1968

Carsten