The opportunities for scientific experiments afforded by the manufacture of these cables were not neglected. The possibility of transmitting signals under water without fatal loss of power from the increased length of circuit was the first fact determined. The attention of the experimentalists was then directed to ascertain whether, having regard to existing theories, it would be possible to carry even a single conductor across the Atlantic without the aid of a cable so ponderous and so costly as to render it useless in a commercial point of view. A series of direct experiments were at once undertaken, which resulted in the establishment of the following facts:—first, that retardation of movement, in consequence of increasing distance, did not occur at a rate which could seriously affect a cable across the Atlantic; secondly, that increased dimensions in insulated marine conductors augmented the difficulties in obtaining velocity, so that bulk in a cable would not be requisite; and, thirdly, that a velocity and facility which would satisfy all mere commercial and financial requirements in a line crossing the Atlantic, might be attained in the largest circuits. The next step was to actually make signals through 2000 miles of wire. This was accomplished through the kindness of the directors of the English and Irish Magnetic Company, who placed at the disposal of the experimentalists 5000 miles of under-ground wire. On the 9th of October, 1856, in the quiet of the night time, the experiment was tried successfully. Signals were distinctly and satisfactorily telegraphed through 2000 miles of wire, at the rate of 210, 241, and 270 per minute.
There was still a matter of the last importance to be determined. Was the state of the bed of the Atlantic really such as to warrant the conclusion that a wire 2000 miles long could be deposited and remain there without injury?
Mr. Field, in order to ascertain this fact, obtained from the government of America the assistance of Lieut. Berryman, U.S.N., in the steam-ship Arctic, who succeeded, in July, 1856, in taking soundings across the Atlantic at distances varying from 30 to 50 miles, and, by means of scoops, or quills, bringing up specimens of the bottom, which, upon microscopic examination, proved to be composed of fine shells and sand.
As capital was needed for the execution of the enterprise which the confidence of moneyed men in the United States did not induce them to supply, and as it was desirable to enlist the support of the capitalists of Great Britain, Mr. Field was now authorised to form a company, with branches in both countries. Having secured the services of Mr. Brett, Mr. (now Sir C.) Bright, Mr. Woodhouse, and others, on the 1st of November, 1856, as Vice-President of the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph Company, he issued an elaborate, able, and argumentative circular in London, headed, “Atlantic Telegraph,” and made a tour through the great towns, addressing meetings in support of the project.
On the 6th of November, 1856, the prospectus was issued, with a nominal capital of 350,000l., represented by 350 shares of 1000l. each, and within one month the entire of the capital had been subscribed for, and the first instalment of 70.000l. paid up.
One hundred and six shares were taken in London, eighty-eight in the United States, eighty-six in Liverpool, thirty-seven in Glasgow, and the remainder in other parts of England. Mr. Field stood as subscriber of 88,000l., and represented all America.
But it was not only from the public of Great Britain the project met encouragement. Ere the new company was formed, Mr. Field (13th September, 1855) addressed Lord Clarendon, requesting aid, and protection and privileges, and on the 20th November received a reply from the Secretary to the Treasury, engaging to furnish ships for soundings, and to consider favourably any request for help in laying the Cable, to pay 14,000l. (4 per cent. on capital) as remuneration for Government messages, till the net profits were 6 per cent., when the payment was to become 10,000l. for twenty-five years, and the Royal assent was given to the Act of Incorporation of the Company July 27th, 1857.
Mr. Field received far more encouragement in Great Britain, in Parliament and out of it, than he did at home. His bill was nearly rejected in the United States Senate, and it is stated only twenty-seven shares of the first stock were at first subscribed for in the States. On the motion of Mr. Seward, a resolution was passed in the Senate, United States, on the 23rd December, in compliance with which the President transmitted a copy of an application from the New York Office of the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph Company, dated December 15th, in which the Directors set forth “their earnest desire to secure for the United States Government equal privileges with those stipulated for by the British Government in a work prosecuted thus far with American capital,” and then recounted the terms agreed to by the Lords of the Treasury. On January 9th, 1857, Mr. Seward introduced a bill in the Senate to give and receive precisely the same privileges on the part of the United States Government. It was violently opposed, was only carried by one vote, and was not approved till March 3rd following.
The money being now forthcoming, the Provisional Directors of the Company proceeded to order the Atlantic Cable. Mr. Field was anxious that the order should be given to the firm which had manufactured the St. Lawrence Cable, but the Board thought it would be better to divide the contract, and on the 6th December, 1856, they entered upon agreements with the Gutta Percha Company for the supply of 2,500 miles of core, consisting of copper wire, with a triple covering of insulating substance, at 40l. per mile; and also with Messrs. Glass, Elliot, & Co., of East Greenwich, and Messrs. Newall & Co., of Birkenhead, respectively, for the supply from each of 1,250 miles of the completed Cable for 62,000l. Within six months from that day, namely, on the 6th of July, 1857, the entire Cable was completed.
The policy of dividing the contract for the manufacture of the Cable was questioned at the time. When one portion of the Cable was to be made at East Greenwich and the other at Birkenhead, how was it possible that there could be any uniformity of supervision, any integrity of design, or any individual responsibility? Again, how was it possible that the textile strength or conducting power of the Cable could be tested as satisfactorily as would have been the case were its manufacture entrusted to one firm? And, as it happened, the twist ran from right to left in one half, and from left to right in the other half of the Cable.