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CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
THE 
 
 BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 AN ORIGINAL METHOD 
 
 OF 
 
 ON LAND AND AT SEA, 
 BY MEAFS OF THE HUMAN ARMS, 
 
 AT ANY AND ALL DISTANCES, 
 EVEN "WITHIN FURTHEST RANGE OF THE TELESCOPE. 
 
 CAPT. ROBERT W. JENKS, 
 
 FORMERLY OF BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 NEW-YOEK: 
 HENRY SANDERS & CO., WARREN STREET. 
 
 1852. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, 
 HENET SANDERS & CO., 
 Ill tlie Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Soutliorn District 
 
 of New-York. 
 
Cornell University Library 
 VK389 .J53 
 
 The Brachial telegraph 
 
 3 1924 030 898 336 
 olln 
 
 THE 
 
 BKACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 Methods o£ communication by signals, both at sea and on land, 
 are of extreme antiquity, dating as far back as the earliest scrip- 
 tural records, or the fabulous ages of mythology, as shown in the 
 story of Theseus.* Signals, or modes of signalizing, have indeed 
 been used by naval and military commanders from time immemo- 
 rial. Homer speaks of sentinels placed on eminences, to communi- 
 cate from station to station. Frequent mention is made by Polybius, 
 Ammianus, MarcellinuS, and other old writers, of such modes of 
 conveying intelligence, and of those officers on board ships, whose 
 duty it was to make the signals. Many of the signals now in use 
 were employed by the ancients, such as flags, streamers, fires, lights, 
 sounds of trumpets and other instruments. 
 
 It is extremely probable that, in very early times, the human 
 arms also were employed in signalizing, at distances within range 
 of distinct vision. 
 
 In the infancy of the science of navigation, while the mariner, 
 yet ignorant of the compass, durst not venture out of sight of the 
 coast, and generally kept as near to it as possible, no readier means 
 of communication, on many occasions, between ship and shore, could 
 suggest itself, than the arms. Between the different ships of a 
 fleet also, and, on land, between the different divisions of an army, 
 
 * This famous adventurer, when departing on one of his chiTOlrous expeditions, pro- 
 mised his father, King jEgeus, that, if successful, he would, on his return, indicate his 
 triumph by changing the color of his sails. This promise he forgot to perform, and his 
 father, seeing him in the distance return as he went, in despair destroyed himself, by 
 plunging from a promontory into the sea, thence called jEgean. 
 
THE BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 the same facile agents could frequently be employed for the same 
 purpose. 
 
 The probability of these conjectures is strengthened by con- 
 sideration of the use made of the arms and hands, by all nations, 
 and in all times, either to express emotions of pity, anger, fear, and 
 other passions, or in attitudes of reverence and supplication, — by 
 the orator, to give force or illustration to his subject, — by the pan- 
 tomimic actor, in the place of spoken language, — also in the sign- 
 language of the deaf and dumb. 
 
 This sign-language, in its elements, is to be found among all 
 nations, and has ever been the medium of communication between 
 voyagers and the natives of newly discovered countries. It is em- 
 ployed by many savage tribes, to supply the paucity of expression 
 in their language, or as a means of communication between tribes 
 speaking different articulate languages. 
 
 It is also not unreasonable to imagine that, to such use of the 
 arms, as primitive signalizing agents, is due the invention of the 
 telegraph. 
 
 Thci, telegraph is by no means a modern invention, though the 
 systematized use of it is only of modern date. There is reason to 
 believe that among the Greeks there was some sort of telegraph in 
 use. The tactician iEneas, a contemporary of Aristotle, mentions 
 several attempts made to express the letters of the alphabet at a 
 distance by signals. Amontons and Chappe renewed these experi- 
 ments in France, towards the end of the 18th century. Chappe, 
 who is considered the inventor of the modern telegraph, contrived 
 a machine which combined celerity of communication with simpli- 
 city of motion, sufiBciency of signs for the conveyance of ideas, and 
 fitness for service in all weather. This machine consisted of an 
 upright post of moderate height, with two transverse arms fixed 
 on a common pivot, and movable in all directions, each of which 
 could therefore be exhibited in various positions, each position indi- 
 cating a letter of the alphabet, or, by agreement, standing for a cer- 
 tain word or sentence. The machines were placed on church towers 
 or other high edifices, and communication was made from station to 
 
THE BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 station, in many cases, with very great rapidity, as, for example, 
 from Paris to Calais in three minutes, and from Strasbourg to Paris 
 in six and a half minutes. Many alterations and improvements 
 were afterwards made on this instrument, but it is now well nigh 
 superseded by the Electric or Magnetic Telegraph. The sentinels 
 posted on eminences in ancient times, as before mentioned, and sig- 
 nalizing with flags, and perhaps with their bodily arms, may have 
 suggested the first idea of the Telegraph. 
 
 But whatever weight of probability may attach to the foregoing 
 conjectures, certain it is that no system of telegraphic communica- 
 tion by means of the human arms, is to be found on record in either 
 ancient or modern writings ; and the present method is therefore 
 now brought forward with the hope that its simplicity and uniform- 
 ity will commend it to the favor of the public in general, and of 
 those classes and persons in particular, for whose use it is more 
 directly intended, namely, seafaring men, the naval and military 
 professions, travellers, railroad companies, surveyors, engineers, 
 schools, gymnastic institutions, and private families. 
 
 Ingenuity would be much taxed to devise a system of naval sig- 
 nals more efiBcient than those now in use among civilized nations, 
 for the conveyance of orders and instructions as to the sailing and 
 fighting of vessels of war. That some subsidiary assistance might, 
 howevei', under many circumstances, be derived from the present 
 system, is a suggestion which the author most respectfully ventures 
 to make, and which may be deemed by naval officers not unworthy 
 of their attention. But more especially with regard to merchant 
 vessels, there are occasions, and the author, in the course of a long 
 experience of sea-faring life has known many such, in which a mode 
 of communication like the present would be immensely useful, and 
 other means of signalizing would be inadequate to the carrying on 
 of a detailed correspondence, as, for example, in the case of vessels 
 passing each other beyond speaking distance, when there is a heavy 
 gale and rough sea, so that boats could not be put out, and when 
 ships cannot alter their course, or deviate from their direct route, 
 without vitiating their insurance. And in the case of vessels 
 stranded or cast away, where communication might be exchanged 
 between the wreck and the people on shore, or such of the crew and 
 
THE BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 passenfjers as may have effected a landing, this might prove an in- 
 valuable auxiliary to the efforts made for the preservation of life 
 and property, or in such as the following, which we extract from a 
 New- York paper of IMarch 26th, 1852. 
 
 " From the pilot-boat Yankee of New- York, Thursday, March 
 25th, 1852, 8 A. M. While lying to, Montauk bearing N. N. E., 
 distant 40 miles, the wind blowing a very heavy gale from W. N. W., 
 saw a schooner running down for us, with signals of distress flying, 
 and the crew hailing us for relief, but OAving to the violence of the 
 gale, we could not understand their situation," &c. The account 
 goes on to state that, not being able to hear voices, the pilot could 
 not ascertain the eminently perilous condition of the schooner, and 
 consequently made but little exertion to get nearer to her. In a 
 short time, the crew of the schooner were seen to get out their boat 
 and embark in it, and they had barely escaped from the vessel be- 
 fore she sank ; a few minutes after which, a heavy sea capsized the 
 boat, and three of the men were drowned before the pilot-boat could 
 get near enough to save them. The schooner was the Reaper of 
 Yarmouth, bound from Philadelphia to Boston. 
 
 Many such examples as the foregoing might be adduced from 
 every day's papers. Again, on land, in military service, officers 
 acquainted with this system might find in it additional means of 
 secret and expeditious transmission of orders and dispatches. In 
 the noise, confusion and hurry of a battle, the ordinary signals by 
 beat of drum or sound of trumpet are often only partially heard, 
 and therefore the orders they convey are incorrectly executed, from 
 which cause fatal errors have occurred. By signals addressed to 
 the eye, instead of to the ear, such disasters might have been 
 avoided. In many situations, too, even within speaking distance, 
 where to use the voice might be imprudent or dangerous, and be- 
 tween parties debarred from access to each other, this silent and 
 mobile telegraph would evidently be of great service. 
 
 It is suggested, also, that this telegraph might be employed to 
 advantage on railroads, by engineers, switch-tenders, brakemen, 
 &c., and that surveyors, too, would find it useful. 
 
THE BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 In schools and private families, independently of the utility 
 claimed for it as a branch of study, it would be a source of amuse- 
 ment to young persons, as well as a healthy exercise of the limbs, 
 tending to a robust development and a graceful carriage of the 
 person. 
 
 In short, there are but few persons, or classes of persons, to 
 whom the Brachial Telegraph may not, at some time, be useful. 
 Its universal diffusion is therefore an object to be desired. Whe- 
 ther this system be regarded as an addition or as an adjuvant to 
 the means already in use for the important purpose of exchanging 
 information under circumstances of distance or other difficulty, the 
 Author may venture to claim for it, at least, the merit of an effort, 
 however humble, to advance the welfare of his fellow-beings, and 
 now commends his work to the Public, confident that the worthiness 
 of the motive will atone for any imperfection of design or execution. 
 
THE 
 
 SIGNAL ALPHABET 
 
 BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 Ix the construction of the followino; cliaD-rams, care has been 
 taken so to arrange the positions of the arms, in the formation of 
 the signals for letters, that a uniformity. Avhether of repose or mo- 
 tion, might be established, tending greatly to aid the memory in 
 the retention of each signal. Strict attention on the part of the 
 learner to observance of these positions, and to accuracy of drill on 
 the part of teachers, is therefore necessary. 
 
 B 
 
 C 
 
 In signaUzing these three letters, the left arm is kept at rest 
 close by the side, and the right arm takes the three different posi- 
 tions, viz., upwards and outwards for A, the horizontal for B, and 
 downwards and outwards for C. 
 
THE SIGNAL ALPHABET. 
 
 E 
 
 Positions of the arms tlie reverse of those for the three foregoing 
 letters : the right arm down at rest, the left arm taking the posi- 
 tions, upwards and outwards for D, horizontal for E, downwards 
 and outwards for F. 
 
 H 
 
 Extend the left arm from shoulder to elbow horizontally, point 
 the fore-arm downwards, as nearly at right angles with the arm as 
 possible ; the right arm takes the positions, which are exactly the 
 same as those for A, B, C. 
 
 Positions the reverse of those for Gr, H, I, the right arm ex- 
 tended, with fore-arm pointed downwards, left arm taking positions 
 as in D, E, F. 
 
10 
 
 THE SIGNAL ALPHABET. 
 
 M 
 
 N 
 
 
 
 Left hand resting on the hip, arm and fore-arm aloof from the 
 hody, and forming an angle at the elbow, the right arm takes posi- 
 tions, as in A, B, C. 
 
 Q 
 
 Positions the reverse of those for M, N, 0. Right hand resting 
 on hip, right arm and fore-arm forming an angle at elbow ; left arm 
 takes positions as in D, B, F. 
 
 S 
 
 Left arm extended, from shoulder to elbow horizontally, fore- 
 arm pointing upwards at right angles with the arm; right arm 
 takes positions, as in A, B, C. 
 
THE SIGNAL ALPHABET. 
 
 11 
 
 w 
 
 X 
 
 Positions the reverse of S, T, U. Right arm extended, fore- 
 arm pointing upwards ; left arm takes positions as in D, E, F. 
 
 Z 
 
 & 
 
 Both arms extended upwards and outwards for Y ; both hands 
 resting on the hips, arm, and fore-arm aloof from the body, and 
 forming an angle at the elbow for Z ; both arms extended from 
 shoulder to elbow, both fore-arms pointing downwards at right 
 
 angles for &. 
 
THE 
 
 WRITTEN ALPHABET 
 
 BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 CAPITALS AND SMALL LETTERS. 
 
 ^ 
 
 A a 
 
 ~\ 
 
 B b 
 
 C c 
 
 (fK 
 
 D d 
 
 r 
 
 E e 
 
 F f 
 
 --, IP^ ^ 
 
 /-I 
 
 G 
 
 H h 
 
THE WRITTEN ALPHABET. 13 B 
 
 ^K "ir^ ih 
 
 r^ 
 
 J j K k LI 
 
 'l>v !>-> /O^ 
 
 Mm N n o 
 
 <f^ ov <^<- 
 
 P p Q q R r 
 
 V^ U"^ y^^ 
 
 S s T t U u 
 
 'O^^ ^u. "o^^ 
 
 V V W w X X 
 
14 THE WRITTEN ALPHABET. 
 
 Oo ^ 
 
 Y y Z z <fe a 
 
 The capitals, as seen in the above diagrams, resemble the 
 letters of the Signal Alphabet already given, the representing 
 the body of the person signalizing ; in the small letters the is 
 omitted. This written alphabet might be used for cipher or secret 
 correspondence, and by agreement between correspondents, each 
 symbol might represent a different letter from that assigned to it 
 in the above plate. 
 
THE 
 
 WRITTEN NUMERALS, 
 
 INTENDED TO ACCOMPANY THE WRITTEN ALPHABET OF THE 
 
 BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 ) ^ ( ^ } ^ 
 
 3 4 
 
 -( ^ A V X ^ 
 
 $ ct. 
 
 mill 
 
 In connection Tvith the preceding Written Alphabet, the above 
 Written Numerals will complete a system of cipher or secret cor- 
 respondence. By previous agreement between correspondents, 
 each symbol might represent a different number than that above 
 assigned to it. 
 
THE 
 
 SIGNAL NUMBERS 
 
 BRACHIAL TELEGRAPH. 
 
 In signalizing numbers, considerable time may be saved, by 
 using the following Signals, instead of spelling out the Numbers 
 ■with the Signal Alphabet ; thus, for 
 
 ONE. 
 
 Swing the right arm up to a horizontal position once, then let it 
 drop immediately to a rest, close against the side ; the left arm 
 being at rest by the side during the operation. 
 
 TWO, THREE, FOUR. 
 
 Swing up the right arm as before, two, three, or four times, 
 according to the number to be indicated, the left arm remaining at 
 rest. 
 
THE SIGNAL NUMBERS. 
 
 17 
 
 FIVE. 
 
 Hold the left arm, from shoulder to elbow, against the side ; 
 point the fore-arm upwards and outwards at an acute angle with 
 the arm ; the right arm being kept at rest. 
 
 SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, 
 
 Are formed by the signal for Five, with the addition of the swing 
 of the right arm already described, repeating the swing one, two, 
 three, or four times, as may be necessary. 
 
 TEN 
 
 Is formed by placing both arms in the position of the left arm in 
 signal Five, close against the sides from shoulder to elbow, the 
 fore-arms pointing upwards and outwards. 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 THE SIGNAL NUMBERS. 
 
 ELEVEN, TWELVE, THIRTEEN, FOURTEEN, 
 Are formed as follows : 
 
 Signalize Ten, then immediately drop both arms to a rest, close 
 by the sides ; then swing up the right arm once, twice, three times, 
 or four times, as may be necessary, and as directed for 1, 2, 3, 4. 
 
 FIFTEEN. 
 
 Signalize Ten, then drop the arms to the sides, then make the 
 signal Five. 
 
 SIXTEEN, SEVENTEEN, EIGHTEEN, NINETEEN, 
 
 Are formed, respectively, by the signals Ten, Five, and One, (for 16,) 
 and repeating the signal One, twice, thrice, or four times, as re- 
 quired (for 17, 18, 19). 
 
 j;foTE. — Immediately after a signal is made, both arms should 
 come to a rest, down close to the sides. 
 
 TWENTY 
 
 Is indicated by signalizing Ten twice, and thirty, forty, fifty, <fec., 
 by repeating the signal Ten the requisite number of times. 
 
THE SIGNAL NUMBERS. 
 
 19 
 
 ONE HUNDRED 
 
 Is signified by folding the arms across the breast. 
 
 , ONE THOUSAND 
 Is signalized by crossing the wrists over the face. 
 
 ONE MILLION 
 May be indicated by making the signals Ten, Hundred, and Thou 
 sand in succession. — Ten-hundred-thousand = One Million. 
 
SIGNALS 
 
 TO BE USED AT SEA, 
 
 BY VESSELS WISHING TO SPEAK EACH OTHER, WHEN", ON" AC- 
 COUNT OF DISTANCE, OR NOISE OF THE WIND, THE VOICE 
 CANNOT BE HEARD FROM ONE SHIP TO THE OTHER. 
 
 Note. — On arriving at the position "ivhere it is expected the 
 signalizing "will commence, the following rules should be observed : 
 
 First. The persons hailing or signalizing to each other, should 
 hold in the right hand a speaking-trumpet, or a telescope, or billet 
 of wood, or even a handkerchief or piece of cloth — any object, in 
 short, that will tend to make the signals more distinct at a distance. 
 
SEA SIGNALS. 21 
 
 Second. Care should be taken that the persons signalizing 
 place themselves in a conspicuous position, so that their whole out- 
 line may be distinctly visible, apart and out of the line of other 
 persons and objects. 
 
 Third. The signals should be made as distinctly and uniformly 
 as possible, and, as soon as a signal is made, or a word spelled out, 
 the arms should immediately be brought down to a rest. A short 
 interval should be allowed to elapse between the signals. 
 
 Fourth. The signals received should be carefully noted on 
 paper or a slate by an assistant. 
 
 The first signal made is usually 
 
 SHIP AHOY! 
 
 And is signified by waving the object held in the right hand round 
 about the head, until it is answered by the other vessel. In mak- 
 ing the signal, the left arm is to be at rest, by the side. The dotted 
 lines in the diagram indicate the path of the object waved. 
 
 The Answer. — This will be a signal similar to the question. 
 
 The next question is, 
 
 WHAT SHIP IS THAT? 
 
22 SEA SIGNALS. 
 
 This question is signalized by swinging the object held in the 
 hand twice in front of the body, right and left, in the path indicated 
 by the dotted line in the diagram. 
 
 The Answer is to be made by spelling the name of the vessel 
 by means of the Signal Alphabet. 
 
 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? 
 
 This question is signalized by raising both arms upwards and 
 outwards, the object being still held in the right hand. 
 
 The Answer is made by spelling out the name of the place, by 
 means of the Signal Alphabet. 
 
 WHERE ARE YOU BOUND? 
 
 This question is signalized by pointing with the trumpet, or 
 other object, in one hand, in the direction the vessel was heading, 
 the other hand and arm crossing the breast, and pointing in the 
 same direction. 
 
 The Answer is the name of the place whither the vessel is 
 bound, to be spelled by the Signal Alphabet. 
 
SEA SIGNALS. 
 
 23 
 
 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN OUT? 
 
 This signal is made by holding the trumpet or other object by 
 both ends over the head. 
 
 The Answer is to be spelled out by the Signal Alphabet, and 
 Signals for numbers. 
 
 WHAT IS YOUR LATITUDE? 
 
 This signal is made by pointing perpendicularly upward, the 
 object held in the right hand, the right arm being extended hori- 
 zontally from shoulder to elbow, and the fore-arm elevated at right 
 angles to the arm ; the whole left arm is extended horizontally. 
 
 The Answer is to be made with the Signal Numbers. 
 
 Example. — The latitude being, say 23° 41', this would be in- 
 dicated by signalizing first Twenty, then Three (for the degrees). 
 Bring the arms down to rest, and, after a short interval, signalize 
 successively Forty and One (for the minutes). 
 
 WHAT IS YOUR LONGITUDE? 
 
24 
 
 SEA SIGNALS. 
 
 This is asked by extending the left arm, and the trumpet, or 
 other object, held in the left hand horizontally ; the right arm being 
 extended horizontally from shoulder to elbow, and the fore-arm 
 pointing downwards at right angles to the arm. 
 
 The Answer is to be made in the same way as that for Latitude. 
 
 ARE YOU ALL WELL? 
 
 Is asked by pointing both arms downwards and outwards, the 
 trumpet or other object being held in the right hand. Keep the 
 arms in this position till an answer is returned. 
 
 The Answer, if 
 
 YES! 
 
 Is made by swinging the trumpet or other object in the right hand 
 upward twice, in the path indicated by the dotted line of the 
 diagram ; the left arm is at rest. 
 
 If the Answer is 
 
 NO! 
 
SEA SIGNALS. 
 
 25 
 
 It is to be made by swinging the trumpet or otber object, now in 
 the left band, three times in front of the body, in the path of the 
 dotted line ; the right arm remains at rest. 
 
 WHAT IS THE MATTER? 
 
 This is asked by swinging both arms up and down three times 
 in the direction of the dotted lines, the trumpet or other object 
 being held in the right hand. 
 
 If the Answer is 
 
 SHOET OF PROVISIONS, 
 
 It is made by holding the trumpet or other object pointed upward, 
 between both hands, over the head, until the signal is acknowledged 
 by the other vessel's using the Yes signal. 
 
 If the Answer is 
 
 IN A LEAKY CONDITION, 
 
 It will be signified by holding the trumpet or other object by its 
 
26 
 
 SEA SIGNALS. 
 
 two extremities directly across the breast, until the other vessel re- 
 turns the Yes signal. 
 
 If the Answer is 
 
 SICKNESS ON BOARD, 
 
 It is signalized by holding the trumpet or other object horizontally 
 over and close to the head by the left hand ; the right arm being 
 extended outward and downwards. 
 
 If the Answer is 
 
 MUTINY ON BOARD, 
 
 Signalize it by pointing downward the trumpet or other object held 
 in the right hand, extending both arms horizontally from shoulder 
 to elbow, and depressing the fore-arms at right angles to the arms. 
 
 THE PARTING ADIEU ! 
 
 Having finished the exchange of signals, wave the trumpet or 
 other object in the right hand over the head three times. 
 
EESOUECES 
 
 IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK. 
 
 Let us suppose the unfortunate case of a vessel being driven 
 by a gale towards a lee shore, until she finally strikes at a great 
 distance from the beach. It then becomes of the utmost importance 
 to effect a communication with the shore. The ship's boats would, 
 of course, be looked to in the first place, as affording the readiest 
 means of escape, if they can be used with safety. But if, from 
 whatever cause, the boats cannot be put out, resort must then be 
 had to other expedients. Of these, perhaps, the best is the forma- 
 tion of a raft. A small boat-raft might be easily and quickly con- 
 structed, by lashing together a few small spars. Fasten to these 
 the deep-sea line, or some small line, and launch the raft from the 
 lee side of the vessel, give it an impetus towards the shore, and 
 veer out a sufiiciency of the line, to which, lest it should prove too 
 hea\-y, and incline too much to the bottom, there should be attached 
 sticks of wood at proper distances to buoy it up. 
 
 In case there should be no one on shore ready to secure the 
 line, some one, it is presumed, will volunteer to attempt a landing 
 with the raft. The person so volunteering should take with him a 
 small oar, or whatever he can use as a paddle, to guide his raft to 
 the shore. One end of a small line several fathoms in length 
 should be attached to this oar, and the other end secured to the 
 
HF.SOXIB.CES IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK. 
 
 raft. On nearing the shore, an nndertow often prevents articles 
 from clrifting to the beach ; the oar "will then be of service to the 
 person on the raft, who can either use it as a setting pole, or heave 
 it ashore, where it may catch npon something that mLl retain it, 
 nntil he makes a landing himsel£ 
 
 A communication with the shore being now established by 
 means of the small rope, what is next to be done is. to bend on a 
 larger r'jpe from the ship, and veer out a length of it equal to 
 double the distance to the shore, where it is to be hauled ia by the 
 shoreman, and made fast to the raft. The latter, with the large 
 rope attached, is now hauled back to the ship, and a sufficiency of 
 the large rope has been allowed to reach back from the ship to the 
 ^hore. 
 
 The raft, being now again alongside of the vessel, is to be en- 
 laro-ed by lashing to it, in the form of a cross, other and larger 
 spars. Then, if four empty casks can be procured, fasten one to 
 each end of two oars or small spars, passing the ends of the poles 
 into the bung-holes, and securing the casks to the poles by means 
 of ropes passed round them. K casks cannot be had, take hen- 
 coops, hatches, or boxes. The casks and poles, being thus secured 
 and got over the ship's side, are to be lashed crosswise to the raft, 
 ■13 shown in the following diagram : — 
 
 Now place upon the raft whatever empty chests or boxes can be got 
 at. and fasten them down as securely as possible, and then place 
 upon it whatever it is intended to save first. The signal is then to 
 be given to the man on shore, who immediately begins to haul in ; 
 and the raft, thus simply and quickly constructed, may be the 
 means of saving all hands, as well as a large amount of property, 
 
VESSELS FOUNDERING AT SEA. 
 
 29 
 
 before the vessel goes to pieces, 
 will bear a great -weight. 
 
 Such a raft TdU not upset, and 
 
 It is almost unnecessary here to repeat that, in the case of a 
 vessel cast away in the manner we have supposed, the Brachial 
 Telegraph would be of immense advantage, for communication either 
 with the people on shore, or with the person who volunteers to make 
 a landing with the raft. 
 
 IN THE CASE OF 
 
 YESSELS FOUXDEEING AT SEA, 
 
 A larger raft than the one just described would be necessary, and 
 might be constmcted as follows : — Launch overboard the largest 
 spar that can be procured, having previously attached a strong warp 
 to each end of it. ia order to keep it alongside ; then, on each side 
 of it lash as many other spars of successively smaller sizes, as may 
 be considered necessary ; next, athwart all these, lash other smaller 
 spars or boards, at a distance from each end of the large spar, equal 
 to about one quarter of its entire length. It may now be necessary 
 to veer out one of the warps, and have the end of the raft swung 
 off from the vessel ; a line from one end of the ship wiQ keep it in 
 its place, as seen in the diagram. 
 
 Place the seamen's chests, boxes, or hencoopS; in the space between 
 
30 
 
 VESSELS FOUNDERING AT SEA. 
 
 the cross spars, fore and aft ; these will form a deck on which to 
 put whatever may be actually necessary. A mizen top-gallant 
 mast may then be fixed in an upright position on the raft, at a little 
 distance from one end, on which a sail may be rigged, or a signal 
 hoisted. A large oar fitted in the stern of the raft will serve as a 
 rudder. The large spar serves the purpose of a keel, and the 
 whole construction, thus arranged, will beat to windward very well, 
 and form a very eflScient Catamaran, as seen in the subjoined cut. 
 
MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 The following Signals might be used to advantage by com- 
 manding Officers of regiments or battalions on occasions, when, 
 from the noise of firing, or from any other cause, the signal beats of 
 the drum or sounds of the bugle could not be correctly distin- 
 guished. To increase their utility, each signal or symbol might be 
 made to represent, besides the general meaning herein assigned to 
 it, such other secret order or communication as may be previously 
 agreed upon among the commanders. Blank spaces have, there- 
 fore, been left opposite each figure, for the insertion of such new 
 conventional significations. By such substitution, the signals would 
 be unintelligible to the enemy, even should he be in possession of 
 this system. But as all these signals are to be made with the right 
 arm, with sword in hand, while the left hand is occupied in guiding 
 the horse, it will be necessary to distinguish the new interpreta- 
 
32 
 
 MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 tions from those printed in the book, by raising the left arm as 
 high as the management of the reins will permit, while making the 
 requisite movement with the right arm and sword. 
 
 Any two or more of the signals may be used together, if neces- 
 sary, for example : " By Divisions ! About Face ! Double Quick 
 Time ! March !" would be signalized by using the 22d, 8th, 3d, and 
 2d Signals, allowing a short pause to intervene between the move- 
 ments. Many different orders might be given by combination ot 
 the twenty-five subjoined signals. These signals comprise four 
 distinct positions of the arm, and six motions to each position, ex- 
 clusive of Signal 1st, which is for Attention ! The motions repre- 
 sent the six cuts of the broadsword. 
 
 BATTALION ATTENTION ! 
 
 MARCH (OR ADVANCE)! 
 
 DOUBLE QUICK TIME ! 
 
MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 HALT! 
 
 OPEN ORDER ! 
 
 CLOSE ORDER! 
 
 LOAD AND FIRE ! 
 
 ABOUT FACE ! 
 
344 
 
 MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 LEFT WHEEL ! 
 
 TO THE REAR ! OPEN ORDER ! 
 MARCH ! 
 
 PREPARE FOR REVIEW ! 
 
 RIGHT WHEEL ! 
 
 PREPARE BATTERY ! 
 
MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 35 
 
 FORil COLUMN ! 
 
 FORM SQUARE ! 
 
 CHARGE (OR ATTACK) 
 
 ADVANCE IN ECHELON OBLIQUE ! 
 
 ADVANCE IN ECHELON DIRECT ! 
 
36 
 
 MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 RETREAT (OR RIGHT-ABOUT FACE! 
 MARCH ! DOUBLE QUICK TIME) ! 
 
 COME FOR ORDERS ! 
 
 (ADVANCE, OR FIRE!) 
 
 By Companies. 
 
 (ADVANCE, OR FIRE !) 
 
 By Divisions. 
 
 (ADVANCE, OR FIRE!) 
 
 By Battalions. 
 
MILITARY SIGNALS. 
 
 37 
 
 FIELD AND STAEF, TO THE FRONT ! 
 MARCH ! 
 
 OFFICERS AND SERGEANTS, TO THE 
 FRONT OF TOUR COMPANIES ! 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 The following Miscellaneous Signals mil serve, in many in- 
 stances, to abridge the signalizing process, by obviating the neces- 
 sity of spelling out, letter by letter, words and sentences which are 
 of frequent occurrence in conversation. Most of them comprise, 
 individually, a complete phrase or sense, and with them, aided by 
 the Signal Alphabet, a connected and long conversation might be 
 carried on. 
 
 By previous agreement between parties exchanging communi- 
 cation, each figure or symbol may be made to bear any other mean- 
 ing than the one given to it in the book. A blank space has, 
 therefore, been left opposite each figure for the insertion of such 
 new significations. But in order to distinguish them from the 
 printed ones, the parties signalizing should hold something in the 
 hand, as a book, or hat, or stick. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 39 
 
 These miscellaneous signals, with the new meanings that may 
 be attached to them, would make an agreeable pastime for social 
 parties, as the new meanings might be extended without limit, the 
 only prerequisite being a previous agreement as to the new inter- 
 pretation. 
 
 What can I do for you ? 
 
 Where are you going ? 
 
 How far is it ? 
 
 When shall you return? 
 
40 40 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 When do you go ? 
 
 Shall you go alone ? 
 
 Please to lend me 
 
 Come and see us. 
 
 What is the matter ? 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 41 
 
 Good morning, how do you do ? 
 
 Is it your ? 
 
 "What time shall you ? 
 
 Will you go with me ? 
 
 Have you any 
 
42 
 
 MISCELLANKOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 Where is 
 
 your 
 
 Remember me to 
 
 Come here ! 
 
 Will you send it 1 
 
 Please give me 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 43 
 
 Are you successful 1 
 
 What time is it ? 
 
 Is it almost done .' 
 
 How is your ? 
 
 Why ilon't you 
 
44 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 Do you like ? 
 
 When will you come 7 
 
 How do you like ? 
 
 Have you met with any difficulty 7 
 
 How many are there 1 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 45 
 
 What is the cause ? 
 
 Are you all well 1 
 
 Whom shall I see ? 
 
 Do you like it? 
 
 Are you engaged ? 
 
46 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 Where have you been ? 
 
 How old are you ? 
 
 What is the name of it ? 
 
 Who is it? 
 
 Where is it ? 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 What is it ? 
 
 When will you ? 
 
 Come nearer. 
 
 What will you give ? 
 
 Will that answer ? 
 
48 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 Where shall I see you? 
 
 Don't go yet. 
 
 Let me know soon. 
 
 Don't stay long. 
 
 How is the ? 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 49 
 
 I am in distress. 
 
 A very good 
 
 Much better. 
 
 Not very well. 
 
 We are all well. 
 
50 50 
 
 MISCKLLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 I do not understand. 
 
 I will if I can. 
 
 I don't know. 
 
 Not so well. 
 
 I have been. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 51 
 
 I cannot at present. 
 
 I think I shall. 
 
 It is ahout 
 
 It is too much. 
 
 It is not enough. 
 
52 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 Not very. 
 
 There are. 
 
 I must have 
 
 I am about 
 
 I have a great deal 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 53 
 
 Nothing of consequence. 
 
 I should like to 
 
 A great many. 
 
 Do, as soon as you can. 
 
 I understand. 
 
54 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 I will think of it. 
 
 As soon as you can. 
 
 I have not any. 
 
 I thank you. 
 
 I am sorry. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 55 
 
 I shall be gone. 
 
 I am going. 
 
 I am glad. 
 
 I will soon. 
 
 Very well. 
 
56 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS. 
 
 Why not ? 
 
 How much ? 
 
 Good bye. 
 
 It is finislied. 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS. 
 
 Though I have had but little opportunity to examine Capt. Jenks's Brachial 
 Telegraph, ***** j f^ei justified in ex- 
 
 pressing my approval of it, for its ingenuity and apparent adaptation to the pur- 
 poses for which it is designed. 
 
 * * "^ * * it has advantages over the manual 
 
 alphabet for communication at a great distance. 
 
 It is characterized by much simplicity, and can undoubtedly be easily acquired. 
 Its principal use would appear to consist in military and marine communications, 
 but there may be some collateral advantages attending it, which would make its 
 introduction advisable in our Common Schools. 
 
 By it words may be spelled in concert, and, as it requires considerable tension 
 and exertion of the arm, it may be made to involve at the same time exercise in 
 gymnastics and orthography. This to young children might be found entertaining 
 and profitable. 
 
 HARVEY P. PEET, 
 * ' President of the New- York Institute for the 
 Instruction of the Deaf and. Dumb. 
 
 I cheerfully endorse the above sentiments. 
 
 D. C. VAN NORMAN, 
 Principal of Rutgers Female Institute.