Capt. Stockton so fully
persuaded Ericsson of his probable success in America, that the
inventor at once abandoned his professional engagements in
England, and set out for the United States. It is unnecessary to
mention the further important works of this great engineer.
We may, however, briefly mention that in 1844, Ericsson
constructed for the United States Government the Princeton screw
steamer--though he was never paid for his time, labour, and
expenditure.[6] Undeterred by their ingratitude, Ericsson
nevertheless constructed for the same government, when in the
throes of civil war, the famous Monitor, the iron-clad cupola
vessel, and was similarly rewarded! He afterwards invented the
torpedo ship--the Destroyer--the use of which has fortunately not
yet been required in sea warfare. Ericsson still
lives--constantly planning and scheming--in his house in Beach
Street, New York. He is now over eighty years old having been
born in 1803. He is strong and healthy. How has he preserved
his vigorous constitution? The editor of Scribner gives the
answer: "The hall windows of his house are open, winter and
summer, and none but open grate-fires are allowed. Insomnia
never troubles him, for he falls asleep as soon as his head
touches the pillow. His appetite and digestion are always good,
and he has not lost a meal in ten years. What an example to the
men who imagine it is hard work that is killing them in this
career of unremitting industry!"
To return to "Screw" Smith, after the successful trial of his
little vessel at sea in the autumn of 1837.
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