HMCo #81p [Launch for British Navy]

"The Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. are to build two steam launches [#80p and #81p] for the English government, and two vidette boats [#85pand #86p] for the French government." (Source: Anon. "Local Affairs." Bristol Phoenix, October 22, 1881, p. 2.)

"Within a few years past the English naval authorities have deemed it advisable to adopt a new form, size, and style of steam vessel possessed of greater versatility of adaptation than any previously in the service. Boats swift and safe were demanded which, in time of war, could be used for keeping off marauders from a blockading fleet, carrying a limited number of persons for any special duty, transmitting despatches and orders, &c., which in times of peace would readily, for all the purposes of large navy launches, take the place of the small torpedo boats formerly applied to such service, but poorly adapted to it. To this new construction in marine architecture the title of 'vedette boats' was applied, and private builders were invited to compete in building them to meet all the high and specifically stated requirements of the Admiralty.
Of all who entered into competition, the most successful was John Samuel White of Cowes, an experienced builder of torpedo boats, who constructed a vedette boat capable of a speed of 13.8 knots per hour, and in other regards suitable, so that thenceforth he acquired a monopoly over all other English bidders in the supply of these vessels to the navy. Information of the existing demand and the extent to which it had been met having reached John B. Herreshoff and Nathaniel G. Herreshoff --- the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company --- of Bristol, R. I., they made a proposition to the Admiralty to furnish vedette boats which should be superior, not only in speed, but in all other respects, to those which were then regarded as the perfection of English naval construction of that class.
In January last they were notified that if they would present for trial in English waters two vedette boats [#74p 149 and #75p 150] of the same capacity as those built by John Samuel White, and capable of attaining a speed of 14 knots per hour, the boats would be purchased at a stipulated and satisfactory price. On the 16th of July last [1881] the Messrs. Herreshoff's two boats were landed in England, and immediately taken to the Portsmouth dock yard for trial. In competition with them appeared a new boat, of the same class and power, built by John Samuel White for the occasion, and presumably the flower of all his six or eight years experience in the construction of this style of vessel. ... So thoroughly successful were the Herreshoff boats that they were promptly accepted; $25.000 was paid for them, and a further order was given for two 'navy pinnaces,' [#80p and #81p] smaller boats, previously an especial feature of John Samuel White's constructions, which were to be accepted on condition that they were found, on thorough trial, more serviceable for the service intended than those already in use.
The two pinnaces, or launches, as they are called in American naval nomenclature, were dropped in English water on Oct 29 [1881]. They ran to Sheerness, a distance of seventy-five miles, with the Board of Examiners, composed of seventeen members on board, on Nov. 2 [1881], and at Sheerness the trials were immediately begun. As before John Samuel White, the vanquisher of all English rivals, appeared in competition with a new boat, presumably the best he had been able to produce. The result of the trial, in the matter of speed at least, failed, however, to sustain that presumption, for although he had previously built pinnaces that made 7 3/4 knots per hour he could get only 7 1/3 knots out of the latest one, while, to his astonishment and disgust the American boats easily made 9 1-4 knots working with only 23-horse power indicated. The pinnaces were of the same size 33 feet in length, 8 feet 10 inches beam and 4 feet 1 inch depth. Exhaustive tests were made in manoeuvring rough water work, flotation, speed, &c, the result of which was the complete and unqualified triumph of Herreshoff's boats, which were accepted and paid for at a price of $500 each above that which White had been receiving for the same class of boats. And not only that, but so pleased were the English naval authorities that, to accommodate Mr. Herreshoff, who desired to return home in the Gallia, sailing from Liverpool on the 12th of November, all red tape was promptly cut, and the trials were completed, the reports made and passed upon, the acceptance ordered, and the money paid, all within the short space of ten days. Tho official report credited the Herreshoff pinnaces with greater floatage capacity, more speed, and more available space than the next larger size of English pinnaces --- thirty-eight feet in length --- and specifically said of the Herreshoff safety coil boilers, which raised steam to a pressure of 100 pounds in from 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 minutes, 'that they possessed great advantages over the present type in regard to safety, weight, and in the economical raising of steam.' Sir William Houston Stewart, Vice-Admiral and Comptroller of the Navy, personally wrote to Mr. J. B. Herreshoff, saying: 'I have much pleasure in informing you that all the trials which have been made with the boats you have supplied to our navy have been very successful. Tho boiler appears to meet with general approval by the engineers and firemen, who, having become acquainted with its use, are now able to appreciate its excellent and valuable qualities for our steamboat service.' Having thus won his laurels, Mr. Herreshoff returned home in the Gallia, arriving here on the 29th of last month, and bringing with him an order for two pinnaces [#85p and #86p] for the French navy similar to those supplied to England. In France it is expected that his boats will be even a greater surprise than in England for the speed thus far attained there is even below the British. The French boats are well under way toward completion, and are to be delivered early next spring." (Source: Anon. "Swiftest Boats Afloat." New York Sun. Unknown date. Reprinted in: Bristol Phoenix, January 7, 1882, p. 2.)

"So successful were the trials [of the two Herreshoff vedettes #74p 149 and #75p 150] that the Admiralty immediately gave an order to the Herreshoffs for two pinnaces [#80p and #81p] (open boats known as launches in America), which were shipped to England in October 1881. JBH and Katie accompanied the pinnaces to England, ... Trials for the pinnaces began at once, and the Herreshoff' boats made 9 1/4 knots to the White's 7.3 knots. The triumph of the Herreshoff boats so pleased the English authorities that they accommodated the blind JBH by concluding the trials, cutting the red tape on the reports, and paying the bill, all within the short space of ten days." (Source: Bray, Maynard and Carlton Pinheiro. Herreshoff of Bristol. Brooklin, Maine, 1989, p. 19.)

"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] Penciled experiments booklet titled in ink on cover 'H.M. Co. Experiments. 1880 - 1881'. Relevant contents:
§10: Pinnace built by White of Cowes Copy of Trial Report and Dimensions (was tested against #80p and #81p)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Experiments Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_02030. Folder [no #]. 1880-08 to 1881-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Letter from E. Southsea, England, have been busy this week, educating Engineers and Stokers, one sided manoevering trial & heat for stiffness that White was to have made to bring out weak points in our boats [#74p and #75p] was vetoed by me, this brought out a little school-boy article in the [London] Times of the 11th [July 1881], our boats are handier, faster & in nearly all points superior to Whites', Fred[erick Allen] Gower was with us to-day, he had just come from Southampton in the [#187702es] GLEAM & passing close by recognized me, the GLEAM is in fine condition & beats everything under 30 or 40ft, all we now have to do here is to make the contract runs, shall probably leave on next Thursday's boat for France, [Charles L.?] Seabury & Gray have done all here that could be desired, I was glad to hear about the regatta in the paper you sent, tell Albert [S. Almy?] he is getting the [#188001es?] NORA into good habits, tell Nat [NGH] double boilers should be put in the 33ft launches [#80p and #81p] as they are such an improvement over the single coils" (Source: Herreshoff, J.B. Letter to Herreshoff, Lewis. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Item LIB_6770. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 5), Folder 179A. (1881)-08-01.)
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"[Item Description:] On HMCo stationery, 'by direction of Mr. Nat cabled you yesterday 'three, assyrian, eleventh, well', means #43p KELPIE and 2 Navy launches [#80p and #81p] are to go by ASSYRIAN MONARCH on 11th Oct [1881] ... the BARSTOW is to take from here and hoist them onto the A.M's deck', ice in my yard, 'houses no 1, 2, 3 = 4' o.k., Justin goes to school, Mr. Nat & myself still continue to get along finely, it makes it quite hard for Mr Nat to attend to all, the different departments (he has not said so however I judge from appearance), I have tried to help, please remember me to Mr. Seabury & Gray, H & B U.S. Inspector just arrived to inspect No 84 [#84p Launch for St. Y. PASTIME], she is a beauty, 76 [#76p IDLE HOUR] names now on J.R.[?], all seem satisfied." (Source: Smith, J. F. Letter to Herreshoff, J.B. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.31. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1881-10-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Johnie wanted me to write and tell you about the boats [#80p and #81p], how they were taken to Sheerness on Wednesday, ... the trials really commenced when they left their anchorage in the Thames, ..., sea was quite rough but the boats behaved splendidly, ... on Thursday trials were made with them and also with a new boat from the White's ... , trials ... were very satisfactory, ... yesterday ... was off in the #43p KELPIE with Messrs. Dunnell, ... they were all very much pleased with her, Mr. Studer arrived from Paris on Wed. 7 and went to Sheerness on Thurs. to see the Pinnaces --- he and J. called on the French Naval Attache yest. p. m. to see what arrangement could be made to have the Vidette [#85p and #86p] tried and accepted, either at Bristol or New York. ... high speed trial ... with one of the pinnaces ... hope to be able to sail on the 12th in the GALLIA, yesterday Kate & J. took dinner with Mrs. Dunnell, ... went to Hampton Court Palace ... I have just returned from Sheerness ... made the trial with # 81 --- moderately rough water --- 3 men on board --- 180 lbs steam --- made 9 1/4 knots --- ... our boats have double the carrying capacity ... our boilers would undoubtedly be adopted for all torpedo boats ... yours in haste, John by S[adie]'." (Source: (Herreshoff), Sadie. Letter to (Herreshoff), Lewis. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.264. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1881-11-05.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) telegram note:] No.. 1 Admiralty Telegram. 7 Nov. [81]81.
Herreshoff boat No 81 [#81p Launch for British Navy] tried on Saturday with 3 persons only on board and 170lbs pressure of steam in boiler made 9 1/4 knots as a mean of 4 runs on measured half knot.
Reply. Recd[?] 10 28 C[?]
Dees[?] Is this pressure considered safe by our offices. [unreadable signature]
D.N.S. Sent 11.40h 7 Nov 87. 7/11/81
This pressure is not considered to be safer for this machinery that it would be to increase under a similar emergency the pressure on the Service pinnace or Cutter by 50 per cent above their ordinary working pressure as far as the Engines are concerned. The Herreshoff boiler may be considered safe at any pressure of steam. The Engines fix[?] the limit of pressure & for these it is considered that 125lbs should be the maximum pressure. [p. 2]
Controller[?]
The safety valves of the two boats [#80p and #81p Launches for British Navy] at Portsmouth have been loaded to 150lbs and I believe their Engines have been tested to 300 lbs.
I noticed when were on board the boat above Westminster Bridge that the safety valve lifted at 100lbs.
J-H-D. J.N.[?]. 8 Oct [18]81.
S/SI
[Stamp:] D.N.C. 8 Nov 1881.
NWJ[?] Nov 8/[81]81" (Source: Shesmess[?], Capt. Supt[?]. Correspondence (telegram note) to Cont[roller] of Navy. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_03390. Folder [no #]. 1881-11-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) telegram note (photocopy?):] No.. 2 Admiralty Telegram. Nov. 8 [81]81.
Which Steam cutters are considered to be the best of general service, the
Deaunids'[?] boat or the Herreshoff. Please reply.
[unreadable initials]
Sent 2-2p 8 Nov [18]81.
From Chatham
Have not heard result of weigh trial at Sheerness. Consider the boats have some marked advantages but that it is desirable to have a longer experience of their working in order to make a fair comparison with Service Cutters. Think the boats well worthy of a trial should like to have one sent here to work.
Recd[?] 3 25 R
From Sheerness
Herreshoff boat has given satisfaction in trial of Engines and Inspector of boat but am not prepared to say which of the two boats [#80p and #81p Launches for British Navy] is the best. For general service this point can only be settled by a more prolonged trial between the two boats in a seagoing ship. Detailed report will be sent by loghts[?] post.
Recd[?] 3.53 R 8 Nov [18]81" (Source: Cont[roller] of Navy. Correspondence (trial run note) to Sheerness[?], Capt. Supt[?]. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_03410. Folder [no #]. 1881-11-08.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) trial report on stationery with 'Admiralty Whitehall' blindstamp:] Extracts from Official Report on Trials made of two Herreshoff Launches #80p and #81p Launches for British Navy] at H[er] M[ajesty's] Dockyard Sheerness. Nov[ember 8th 1881.
One of the Herreshoff's Launches has had one ton of ballast put on board equivalent to the weight of gun torpedo fittings &c and then filled with water with four men on board 2 at each end; the boat still floated the gunwale amidships level with the surface of the water, and they are in our opinion capable of carrying the gun Torpedo & 'fittings as now supplied'.
On the day of the trial 17 persons including Mr. [J.B.] Herreshoff and staff were in the boat and space was still available for more, but when the same 17 persons were transferred to the 30ft steam cutter No 177 they scarcely had room to move.
The time of raising steam to 100lbs from lighting fire in the Herreshoff boats varied from 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 minutes.
The mean feature of novelty in the machinery of these boats is the boiler & from the trials made so far viz of a run from London here and runs at the measured 1/2 knot we are of opinion that this type of boiler as a single boiler may now be worked with as much safety as the locomotive boiler in the 1st & 2nd class torpedo boats.
The coil boilers are subject in working to far more rapid changes of pressure than other boilers but this disadvantage is far outweighed by the fact that if the boiler is burnt & burst or shot through no harm as far as the mere explosion is concerned i likely to occur to any one on board.
The boiler is one possessing great advantages over the present type in fact[?] to safet and weight and in quickly raising steam.
We are of opinion that so far as we can at present see the Herreshoff launches are capable of doing the work now performed by the 30ft steam [p. 2] cutters. Should it be determined to introduce them into the service we would submit that for a further comparative trial at sea two vessels of the Comus Class be supplied with one Herreshoff launch and one 30ft steam cutter instead of two 30ft seam cutters.
Signed by Captain of Steam Reserve, Chief Constructor and Chief Engineer of H.M. Dockyard Sheerness.
[Followed by tabulated data titled 'Trials on measured knot' for 'Boat Herreshoff No 81 [#81p] and showing a max. speed of 9.253 knots at a pressure of 170lbs and 400 revolutions]. With embossed blindstamp 'Admiralty Whitehall' in upper left corner." (Source: Admiralty, Whitehall, London (creator). Trial Report. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_03420. Folder [no #]. 1881-11-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Casting sketch notebook (original copy) [Titled Nathl G. Herreshoffp, Bristol R.I.; 1882, mostly signed by N.G.H.; material and item orders relating to steamers #81p, #82p, #83p, #88p, #89p, #90p, #91p, #92p, #95p, #98p, stock for new boat shop]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Notebook. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.120-10. Box HAFH.6.4B, Folder Casting Record Books Sketch and Order Book 1882 NGH. 1882.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #81p [Launch for British Navy] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Launch for British Navy (HMCo-made index card)
• Note: The vessel index cards comprise two sets of a total of some 3200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and information regarding drawings, later or former vessel names, and owners. They were compiled from HMCo's early days until 1920 and added to in later decades, apparently by Hart Nautical curator William A. Baker and his successors. While HMCo seems to have used only one set of index cards, all sorted by name and, where no name was available, by number, later users at MIT apparently divided them into two sets of cards, one sorted by vessel name, the other by vessel number and greatly expanded the number of cards. Original HMCo cards are usually lined and almost always punched with a hole at bottom center while later cards usually have no hole, are unlined, and often carry substantially less information. All cards are held by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass.

Year: 1881
E/P/S: P
No.: 081
OA: 33' 1"
LW: 30'-4"

Source: Vermilya, Peter and Maynard Bray. "Transcription of the HMCo. Construction Record." Unpublished database, ca. 2000.

Note: The transcription of the HMCo Construction Record by Peter Vermilya and Maynard Bray was performed independently (and earlier) than that by Claas van der Linde. A comparison of the two transcriptions can be particularly useful in those many cases where the handwriting in the Construction Record is difficult to decipher.

"Exported to England." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 2, 2008.)

Note: Research notes contain information about a vessel that is often random and unedited but has been deemed useful for future research.