CHAPTER XXIX

JULY 16, 1842—MARCH 26, 1843

Continued discouragements.—Working on improvements.—First submarine cable from Battery to Governor's Island.—The Vails refuse to give financial assistance.—Goes to Washington.—Experiments conducted at the Capitol.—First to discover duplex and wireless telegraphy.—Dr. Fisher. —Friends in Congress.—Finds his statuette of Dying Hercules in basement of Capitol.—Alternately hopes and despairs of bill passing Congress.— Bill favorably reported from committee.—Clouds breaking.—Ridicule in Congress.—Bill passes House by narrow majority.—Long delay in Senate.— Last day of session.—Despair.—Bill passes.—Victory at last