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Revolutionary War Sergent Ezra Lee attacking HMS Eagle in the first military submarine service in New York harbour on September 7, 1776. Watercolour; 19th century. Turtle was the first American submarine, invented in Connecticut in 1775 by David Bushnell as a means of attaching explosive charges to ships in a harbor. On September 7, 1776, Turtle, under the guidance of Army volunteer Sergeant Ezra Lee, attacked HMS Eagle, which was moored off what is today called Liberty Island, but it could not manage to bore through the hull. When he attempted to try another spot in the hull, he lost the ship, and eventually abandoned the attempt.
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Revolutionary War Sergent Ezra Lee attacking HMS Eagle in the first military sub...

Automaton, shaped like a Spanish monk with iron Clock-work mechanism, wooden head and hands, painted. H: 39 cm
#30010446

Automaton, shaped like a Spanish monk with iron Clock-work mechanism, wo...