He was familiar with much that had been discovered with regard to that mysterious force, through his studies under Professors Day and Silliman at Yale, and through the lectures and conversation of Professors Dana and Renwick in New York, so that the charge which was brought against him that he knew absolutely nothing of the subject, can be dismissed as simply proving the ignorance of his critics.
Thus prepared, unconsciously to himself, to receive the inspiration which was to come to him like a flash of the subtle fluid which afterwards became his servant, he went on board the good ship Sully, Captain Pell commanding, on the 1st of October, 1832.

Among the other passengers were the Honorable William C.Rives, of Virginia, our Minister to France, with his family; Mr.J.F.Fisher, of Philadelphia; Dr.Charles T.Jackson, of Boston, who was destined to play a malign role in the subsequent history of the telegraph, and others.

The following letter was written to his friend Fenimore Cooper from Havre, on the 2d of October:-- "I have but a moment to write you one line, as in a few hours I shall be under way for dear America.

I arrived from England by way of Southampton a day or two since, and have had every moment till now occupied in preparations for embarking.

I received yours from Vevay yesterday and thank you for it.