Hello- Brutus de Villeroi, the designer of the submarine which, built in France and shipped to the Philidelphia, Pa. Navy Yard, was a Native of France. Starting work on submersable vessels in Nantes in 1835 he no doubt was an influence on one of the young inhabitants of Nantes. Jules Verne was seven when he watched de Villerois' early experiments.
The 'Alligator" was used on operations during the Federal Hampton Road incursion in June, 1862. It sank under tow off Cape Hatteras not far from the location of the Monitor not long after.
Washinton, D.C. based inventor Pascal Plant came foward with a concept for a rocket propelled submarine.
This was not accepted for use, nor were his rocket torpedo designs. On the second test of the rocket torpedo at the Anacota Naval Station the test rocket torpedo left the water and hammered a small schooner anchored outside of the test area.

Regards, Hank