HMCo #172p Truant

"[1892-02-06] Sat 6: Re[ceive]d order for st[eame]r [#172p Truant] from Mr. [Newberry] of Detroit.
[1892-03-05] Sat 5: Laid keel and began setting up frames for steel st[eame]r #173 [sic. This would have been the wooden steam yacht Kalolah. Apparently NGH meant #172p Truant. The same mistake appears to have been made in the diary on March 17, 1892.]. ...
[1892-03-17] Thu 17: Began plating st[eame]r #172 [Truant] yesterday. ... [Note: Hull number #173 appears to have been corrected to #172 which makes sense because #173p Kalolah was not a steel yacht.]
[1892-08-24] Wed 24: Launched st[eame]r 172 [#172p] Truant. ...
[1892-08-29] Mon 29: Trial of [#172p] Truant.
[1892-09-03] Sat 3: Contract trial of [#172p] Truant.
[1892-09-07] Wed 7: [#172p] Truant completed & sailed to Detroit.
[1903-03-13] Fri 13: Very fine & mild. Nearly calm. Launched Truant [#172p, built in 1892] from head of cove." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1892. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection. Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1903. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.
April 20, 1894.
Francis Colwell, Esq.,
Providence, R.I.
Referring to Mr. Wells' letter of February 6th last, regarding steam yacht TRUANT [#172p], we have sent our expert engineer to Detroit, with his assistant, to examine and report upon the condition of boiler and engines in said yacht. We have received his report and have to say:- Referring to paragraph 3 of Mr. Wells letter, we are prepared to prove that no injuries whatever have been sustained by the high pressure cylinder.
Referring to P-4: We do not accept it as true that there has been continuous evidence of an overplus of water in the high pressure cylinder, due to fault of construction.
Referring to P-5: We are prepared to prove that the boiler in the Truant can be, and has been, operated without delivering water to H.P.cylinder.
We are also prepared to prove that, during the three months of the first season, the boiler and engines worked perfectly, and that, during a period of four months of the second season, no complaint was received by us relative to the faults specified by the owner. We are also prepared to show, and prove the incompetency of the engineer who has been running the machinery in the yacht and that the engines show conclusive evidence of lack of skill in handling and gross negligence in care of same.
The evidence is conclusive that the yacht was designed, and built, in accordance with the contract and that a satisfactory, full power, trial trip was made, with Mr. Newberry representing the owner on board, and the yacht was duly accepted and paid for, and, that we have proved after nearly two seasons hard use, the yacht worked equally as well in making two full power trials, with our men on board at Detroit, Monday April 9th and Tuesday April 10th, 1894.
As you know, we were not obliged to send out men, but did so to help our customer and to prove that the assertions, herein mentioned, made by Mr. Newberry's Attorney are groundless. Here we rest and we hope Mr. Newberry will have the good sense to do likewise.
Respectfully, ..." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. [Letter to Francis Colwell (HMCo lawyer).] Herreshoff Marine Museum Library Rare Books Room (Box 1). April 20, 1894.)

"The largest single piece of work which the Herreshoffs now have in hand at their Bristol shops is the 108 foot water-line steamer for Mrs. Mayberry [sic, i.e. Newberry] of Detroit. This yacht is growing very rapidly and is all in frame. The plating is ready to go on, and there will he no delay in pushing the work to completion.
The plating, by the way, is from the Pottstown iron works, and is a fine lot of metal and finely rolled. It was less than a month ago that it was ordered, or in fact that the order for the yacht itself was placed, yet here is the yacht in frame and the plating ready. The stem and stern frames for the yacht are steel forgings from the Bristol shops. ..." (Source: Anon. "Herreshoffs Are Busy. Many Boats Steadily Growing in the Bristol Shops." Boston Globe, March 13, 1892, p. 17.)

"Bristol, R. I. April 18 [1892]. --- ... The steamers which the Herreshoffs are building are well along and work is being pushed. ... The steamer [#172p Truant] for Mrs. Newberry of Detroit is partly plated and will be ready about the first of August. ..." (Source: Anon. "Tried on all Tacks." Boston Globe, April 19, 1892, p. 11.)

"Truant, steam yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.
50.19 tons; 120 ft. x 17.8 ft. x 10 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, two masts, figurehead, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, August 22, 1892." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Truant.)

"Bristol, R. I., May 28 [1892]. --- The Herreshoffs are nearing the end of their season's work, and in a few weeks only the big steel steamer [#172p Truant] for Mrs. Newberry of Detroit will be left in the shops out of the many boats which have crowded them during the winter. The season has been a busy one, and now the firm are awaiting the outcome of the racing with great interest. ... The steel steamer is plated, and the decks are being laid and the interior work done. ..." (Source: Anon. "With The Herreshoffs. Season's Work of Bristol Firm Drawing to a Close." Boston Globe, May 29, 1892, p. 1.)

"... At Bristol, the Herreshoffs have sent the 16-foot cat yawl [#419s Coquina 2nd] to Minnetonka, the 17-foot fin [#427s Fin] to Auburn, N. Y., and the half-rater [#425s Wee Winn] to Southhampton. Friday, the 23-foot cat yawl [#424s Wraith] left for Conanicut Park. The steel steamer is progressing rapidly, the inside finish being now put in." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." Boston Globe, June 26, 1892, p. 21.)

"At Bristol the Herreshoff works are nearly cleaned out, excepting the steel steam yacht [#172p Truant], which is fast nearing completion, the cabin finish being under way and machinery nearly all in. ..." (Source: Anon. "At the Herreshoff Works." Boston Globe, July 17, 1892, p. 11.)

"PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 24 [1892] -- The last Herreshoff boat of the season of 1891-2 was launched at the dock of the company in Bristol to-day. The boat is the steel steam yacht Truant, owned by Mrs. Helen H. Newberry of Detroit, Mich. A party from Detroit came on to witness the launching, and the christening was by Miss Helen Newberry.
The white hull of the Truant and her red mahogany upper works constitute the outside colors ot the new boat. Her deck is of white pine. The deck saloon is 23 feet long, and a companionway to the ladies' cabin descends from it. In the interior of the boatway forward are the crew's quarters, finished In shellacked white pine. The galley is next aft, and beyond that the owner's apartments. These are finished in prima vera or white mahogany, upholstered in white tapestry, and carpeted with brussels. The saloon comes next, of the full width of the boat and 16 feet long, with two staterooms and a toilet room adjoining the latter, reached also by the companionway from the deck saloon. Aft of the saloon are the engine, boiler, and machinery.
The engine is the latest type of the triple-expansion used by the Herreshoffs, with a maximum horse power of 600. The boat is to be lighted by electricity. The dynamo for the generation of the electric current is the engine room. The dynamo runs 26 incandescent lights and a search light of 200 candle power, which is quite as powerful as the search lights used on the Sound boats. The boat is also supplied with storage batteries calculated to run the lights on board for eight hours. A new thing in this part of the boat is the position of the engineer's stateroom. In accordance with the wish ot the owner, it is in the engine room aft of the machinery.
The ladies' cabin, which is the full width of the boat and 10 feet long, with three staterooms and a bathroom, supplied with hot and cold water, attached, like the saloon, is finished in white and mahogany, and is upholstered with tapestry of a rich pattern, selected by the owner.
The Truant will be finished about Sept. 5 [1892], and will be immediately sailed to Detroit by the Gulf of Canso and Northumberland strait. Her total cost was $60.000. Mrs. Newberry will use her for cruising in the lakes, making her home port Detroit. ..." (Source: Anon. "A New Steam Yacht Launched.The Truant Christened At Bristol -- For Lake Cruising." New York Times, August 25, 1892, p. 2.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 930:]
Truant, steam yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1892.
50.19 tons; 120 ft. x 17.8 ft. x 10 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, two masts, [blank] head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) Sept. 3, 1892. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] Oct. 13, 1892 at Detroit. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Lic[ensed] (temporary) ([as] yacht) May 21, 1903 (issued on Detroit enrollment of Oct. 14, 1892; admeasurement correction - 50 tons; change of hailing port - Detroit, Mich.). Owner: Helen H. Newberry of Detroit, Mich. Master: Moses Redmond.
Surrendered [license] Sept. 8, 1903 at Detroit. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence])." (Source: Survey of Federal Archives, Work Projects Administration. Ships Documents of Rhode Island. Bristol. Ship Registers and Enrollments of the Port of Bristol - Warren Rhode Island, 1941, s.v. Truant.)

"... THE TRUANT.
Length over all, 132 feet; draft, 5 feet 8 inches; waterline, 100 feet; beam, 17 feet 6 inches; these figures give an idea of the proportions of Mrs. H. H. Newberry's yacht, the Truant, but only a personal inspection can give an adequate idea of the splendid appointments. There is a duplicate steering gear which works simultaneously in the deck house and upon it. Adjoining the pilot house is a large lounging room finished in red mahogany with navy blue carpet and draperies. A center table contains marine glasses, and some interesting books upon yachts and yachting. A mahogany cabinet is filled with charts and pictures. At the foot of the stairs leading from this cabin is the spacious. cheerful diningroom, entirely paneled and furnished in white mahogany. This cabin has all the luxuries of a home dining-room with appropriate bits added to give it a marine attractiveness. There is a pulley block clock, and the subjects and frames for the pictures suggest the sea. The buffet and butler's table are loaded with sparkling freight. Each piece of the Cauldon ware, an English importation, is stamped with the Truant's name in a facsimile of the owner's handwriting.
There are five private state-rooms, perfect snuggeries, with their dainty, frescoed walls; their down beds draped in silk; their upholstered ottomans, and general air of restfulness. Shelves line the walls and the corners are utilized by small cabinets; there
are clothes presses and lockers in each room, and a profusion of dainty, sweet scented knick-knacks gives them a homelike appearance. The ladies' cabin is inviting, with damask upholstery, Persian rugs and draperies and book shelves plenteously supplied with the latest fiction. ..." (Source: Anon. "Detroit Steam Yachts." Detroit Free Press, September 29, 1895, p. 24.)

"Steam yacht Truant owned by Mrs. Newberry of Detroit, Mich., arrived here yesterday." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, June 20, 1902, p. 2.)

"Steam yacht Truant, owned by Mrs. Newberry of Detroit, Mich., which has been at Herreshoffs for repairs, sailed Wednesday [July 23, 1902], after taking on board several friends of the owner." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, July 25, 1902, p. 2.)

"The steam yacht Truant, owned by Mrs. Newberry of Detroit, Mich., arrived here Saturday and is being hauled ont at Walker's Cove for the winter." (Source: Anon. "Yachting." Bristol Phoenix, September 9, 1902, p. 3.)

"No. 8833 --- For Sale --- To close an estate, steam yacht Truant, built by Herreshoff of steel (U. S. Navy specifications). Length o. a. 138 ft., beam 17 ft., draught 6 ft. Speed on natural draught 14 miles. This vessel is in perfect condition in every respect and fully equipped, having been built for the late owner, and always been in charge of the same captain and engineer. Four staterooms, two toilets, one bath, forward and aft cabins, commodious deckhouse. Original cost, $60,000. For further particulars, address Truman H. Newberry, 1224 Ford Building, Detroit, Mich." (Source: Rudder, March 1913, p. 179.)

"... Herreshoff's are designing a new steam plant and building a starboard launch [S01424] for Henry Ford's Truant. ..." (Source: Anon ("Spinnaker Liz"). "Narragansett Bay Gossip, Yachting Magazine, July 1937, p. 98.)

"1937. ... Herreshoff took an order to design and build an entirely new type of oil burning steam boiler to be installed in the yacht Truant, built by Herreshoff in 1892, owned by Henry Ford. ..." (Source: Davis, Jeff. Yachting in Narragansett Bay. Providence, 1946, p. 81.)

"The Truant, a yacht that was built for Truman H. Newberry, later owned by Samuel Insull, utilities emperor, and once admired by Theodore Roosevelt, is no more.
In her heyday, the yacht was one of the smartest and speediest on the Great Lakes. But the ship has been sold for $1,000 as junk. It cost $100,000 when it was built in 1891 by Herreshoff, New England shipbuilder.
Until two years ago, the yacht was in use as a training ship for sea scouts and annually sailed the lakes with its load of youthful sailors. Two years ago some Detroit Sea Scouts cruised to the World's Fair on it.
The boat is being torn apart, but the engine will be added to the collection in Henry Ford's Industrial Museum at Dearborn [where it still is].
Newberry was an enthusiastic yachtsman and an organizer of the Naval Reserve before the Spanish-American War, serving oh the training ship Yantic. He later became Secretary of the Navy under Theodore Roosevelt.
While Newberry was a cadet in the Michigan Naval Brigade in 1895, he met Theodore Roosevelt, then assistant secretary of the Navy. The Assistant Secretary was at Mackinac Island when the Yantic came in on her annual cruise. The future President went aboard for an inspection. While he was on board, a big, white yacht swept by.
Roosevelt admired the trim, fast pleasure craft, and asked a near-by seaman, who was scrubbing the deck, the name of the yacht.
'That, Sir, is the Truant,' said the tar.
'How can you tell from this distance?' demanded the Assistant Secretary.
'Because, Sir, I own her,' replied seaman Newberry.
Roosevelt was impressed by the modesty of the deckhand who scrubbed decks while his own yacht, filled with guests, glided past.
The Truant served in the World War as a patrol boat, and cruised the seas hunting submarines. Newberry sold her to Insull, who gave her to the Illinois Naval Reserve." (Source: Anon. "Truant, Built for Newberry, Ends 45 Years' Sailing for Pleasure and in Public Service. Proud Yacht, Once Admired by a President Sold for Junk" Unknown Newspaper. Unknown Date (1945 ?). Newspaper clipping in the Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.)

"... Ford had still another yacht, which he bought in 1935. Its name was Truant. It had been owned by Truman H. Newberry, secretary of the Navy under Theodore Roosevelt and later a U.S. senator from Michigan. The Truant, a 138-foot yacht built in 1892, was richly appointed in teakwood and mahogany. Samuel Insull had bought it in 1926, but after his vast utilities empire began to crumble, he sold it to the Naval Militia in Chicago, where it was used to train Naval Reserves. It was transferred to the Sea Scouts in 1933 for training cruises. Ford purchased the ship from the Sea Scouts in 1935. After extensive overhauling, he donated the Truant in July 1941 to the Sixth Naval Training Station in Chicago, where his grandson Henry Ford II was in training. At Chicago, it was again used as a Naval training ship." (Source: Bryan, Ford Richardson. Friends, Families & Forays: Scenes from the Life and Times of Henry Ford. Detroit, 2002, p. 369.)

"PYc-14 Truant
Built in 1892 as the yacht Truant at Herreshoff Manufacturing Co, Bristol RI; Aquired by the Navy on a bareboat charter from Henry Ford, 3 July 1941; Commissioned USS Truant (PYc-14), 16 July 1941 at Great Lakes Naval Training Center; Decommissioned, 6 December 1943 at Dearborn, MI and returned to her owner; Struck from the Naval Register, 6 December 1943. Fate unknown.
Specifications: Displacement 375 t.; Length 138' ; Beam 17' 4"; Draft 6' 7"; Speed 10k; Armament two 3"/50 dual purpose gun mounts; Propulsion unknown." (Source: http://navsource.org/archives/12/1414.htm, retrieved March 18, 2007.)

"From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol.VII p 305
Truant (PYc--14: dp. 395; 1. 138'; b. 17'4"; dr. 6'7"; s. 10 k.; a. 2 3")
In the years following the outbreak of World War II in Europe, during which international tension also worsened in the Far East, the United States Navy augmented the Fleet to meet the growing threat. It also sought yachts, trawlers, and other suitable ships in which to train the officers and men needed by newly constructed warships.
On 3 July 1941, as a part of the latter program, the Navy chartered, on a bare-boat basis, Truant, a steelhulled steam yacht built in 1892 at Bristol, R.I., by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Henry Ford had purchased the ship in 1938 and had her extensively refitted. When he offered the yacht for the duration of the emergency, the Navy agreed to his request that she be allowed to retain her name during her Navy service. The ship was classified a coastal yacht and designated PYc--14, assigned to the 9th Naval District on 11 July, and commissioned on 16 July 1941 at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Ill., Lt. Charles G. Campbell, USNR, in command.
Truant plied the waters of Lake Michigan on training cruises until mid-September ; then headed for Dearborn, Mich., where she arrived on 20 September 1941. She remained there in winter quarters near the Ford Motor Company plant until the early spring of 1942, when she resumed her training cruises. On board this slim, graceful craft, officers and men of the growing and expanding Navy received schooling in basic gunnery and seamanship, which prepared them to serve on fighting ships in the war zones of the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. With the onset of winter in 1942, she again tied up at her 'winter quarters' at the Ford Motor Company plant at South Chicago, Ill., for the cold months and remained there into the spring of 1943.
The yacht then engaged in training exercises and maneuvers in Lake Michigan into November. On 17 November 1943, Truant was decommissioned at the Ford Motor Company plant at Dearborn and returned to her owner, On 6 December 1943, her name was struck from the Navy list." (Source: http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/patrol/pyc14.htm, retrieved March 18, 2007.)

"Vessel Name: TRUANT
Build Year: 1892
Official Number: US145626
CONSTRUCTION
Build City: Bristol
Build State: RI
Vessel Type: Yacht
Hull Materials: Steel
Builder Name: Herreshoff Co.
OWNERSHIP
Original Owner: Truman Newberry
Original Owner Location: Detroit, MI
PROPULSION
Type: Screw
Engine Type: Triple Expansion
Engine Number Cylinders: 3
Engine Number Boilers: 1
Engine Number Propellers: 1
DIMENSIONS
Length: 120
Beam: 18
Depth: 10
Tonnage Gross: 100
Tonnage Net: 50
HISTORY
1899 Owned Helen S. Newberry, Detroit.
1922 Owned Samuel Insull, Chicago.
1938 Owned Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI.
1941, Jul 3 Chartered by U. S. Navy, used as training vessel.
1943, Nov 17 Decommissioned, returned to Henry Ford.
1945 Reported abandoned, broken up at Ford Rouge Plant, Dearborn, MI.
SOURCES
U.S. Merchant Vessels
John E. Poole notes, Bowling Green State University
Internet
Great Lakes Register
American Bureau of Shipping. "(Source: Great Lakes Maritime Database. "Truant; 1892; Yacht; US145626." http://quod.lib.umich.edu/t/tbnms1ic/x-143292.143320/*, retrieved January 18, 2014.)

"N/A"

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] After one season and its experiences with your boiler in the 'TRUANT' [#172p] we have determined to replace it with one of the 'Roberts' type of boiler. Would you be willing to take the boiler back and allow anything for it? I am confident that upon examination by you, you will see that some defect or some miscalculation has been made in the construction which will explain all the trouble we have had with it. There is no doubt but that you could use all the material in the boiler and I hope that you will find it to your advantage to take it back with a fair allowance. I am advised that Mrs. Newberry has a good claim for damages in this matter as it is almost identical with the the case decided in favor of the owners of the steamer 'MARY' [#91p] with which you are naturally very well aware." (Source: Newberry, Truman H. Letter to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1893-12-(11 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of 11th inst to hand. We note what you say regarding the boiler in the TRUANT [#172p]; This is the first intimation that we have had, either from you or any one else, that the boiler has not worked to your entire satisfaction and that the workmanship and material in it are other than first class in every particular, and, after nearly a year and a half from the time of examination, trial and payment in accordance with the terms of the contract, we must express our surprise in receiving such a letter from you.
Will you kindly inform us why you wish to remove the boiler we placed in the TRUANT and substitute another; in what particular do you claim any defect in it. Is it in material, workmanship or design? We will thank you to point out where you think we have made any mis-calculation and we will go over specifications and drawings of the boiler and notify you of the result. We are as much interested as any one can be to have the TRUANT and the machinery do all that should be expected of it under the terms of contract and specifications.
Awaiting a reply-, in each and every particular-, to our questions,
Respectfully, ..." (Source: Herreshoff, J.B. Letter to Newberry, Truman H. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1893-12-13.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Photostat of a two-page letter (see carbon-copy on glassine paper at HMM for the original):] Replying to your favor of December 13th and with special references in the [unreadable] sarieand[?] therein, I would[?] that read over our correspondence for the twelve past months paying special attention to such parts of my letters as may refer to the absolute inability to prevent the drawing of water into the high pressure cylinders. I think I suggested at least three different times that the trouble was in the [#172p TRUANT's] boiler and that it needed additional heating coils to which suggestion I as yet have had no reply. I wrote you that the water had eaten away and continued to eat the metal composing the casting of the high pressure cylinder and I can only further say that the consumption of coal has been so enormous as compared with the Roberts boiler of almost exactly the same dimensions on the steam yacht 'IDLER' with whom we have been in constant company all summer that I am confident that some very serious error has been made in your design or construction.
Replying to your second question, I would state that I wish [to] substitute another boiler, first, because this one is unsatisfactory in its operation, with special reference to the syphoning of water from the boiler into the cylinders and second, because of its abnormally large coal consumption which cannot be attributed entirely to poor firing. I consider our engineer and fireman capable men, the engineer having been in our employ over ten years. The result of a years experience with your boiler has been that the space between the grate bars and the ash pit is too small, the result being that we must this year entirely replace the grate bars which have burned and warped out of shape.
I am entirely unable to point out any miscalculations in your specifications as I am not an expert in these matters, but I do hope that you will be able to take this boiler back upon some fair terms.
There is a serious wrong, somewhere and one which I cannot fairly asked to bear the expense to discover." (Source: Newberry, Truman H. Letter to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1893-12-19.)
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"[Item Description:] About alleged defects in #172p Truant. [Last page of a carbon-copy letter on glassine paper that was imperfectly scanned. See photostat copy of complete letter at HMM. Among the few phrases which can be deciphered are:] ... substitute another boiler, first, because this one is unsatisfactory in the operation, with special reference to the syphoning of water from the boiler into the cylinders and second, because of its abnormally large ... I do hope that you will be able to take the boiler back upon some fair terms. There is a serious wrong somewhere and one which I cannot fairly be asked to bear the expense to discover. [Undated, but photostat copy of this letter shows this to have been dated December 19, 1893.]" (Source: Newberry, Truman H. Letter to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1893-12-19.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Photostat of a two-page letter (original is also at HMM):] Yours of 22nd inst to hand, in which you ask us what we are going to do to correct alleged mistakes, which, by the way, you have not yet pointed out, and which you state are apparent in the TRUANT's [#172p] boiler. In answer, all we have to say is, the boilers that we have made, and are now making, are just the same as that we put in the TRUANT, and work to perfection in the hands of others, giving entire satisfaction as did the TRUANT's boiler on the trial here and while operated by the fireman we furnished you. (Horton.)
If your boiler is not now in good condition, it is due to mis-management or gross abuse by the operators.
If you wish any further advice from us, we shall always be ready to give it cheerfully, providing the request for same is not coupled with threats such as you have been in the habit of doing since our first business aquaintance with you." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Letter to Newberry, Truman H. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-01-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of 22nd inst to hand, in which you ask us what we are going to do to correct alleged mistakes, which, by the way, you have not yet pointed out, and which you state are apparent in the TRUANT's [#172p] boiler. In answer, all we have to say is, the boilers that we have made, and are now making, are just the same as that we put in the TRUANT, and work to perfection in the hands of others, giving entire satisfaction as did the TRUANT's boiler on the trial here and while operated by the fireman we furnished you. (Horton.)
If your boiler is not now in good condition, it is due to mis-management or gross abuse by the operators.
If you wish any further advice from us, we shall always be ready to give it cheerfully, providing the request for same is not coupled with threats such as you have been in the habit of doing since our first business aquaintance with you." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Letter to Newberry, Truman H. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-01-25.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled note titled 'Warranty' and listing what appear precedent cases relating to Newberry's claim that #172p TRUANT's boiler was defective. Undated, filed with 1894 TRUANT dispute papers." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer) (?). Correspondence (note) to N.G. Herreshoff. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. No date (ca1894-02 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] About alleged defects in #172p Truant. Photostat of letter identical in contents but not in format to that by William Wells to HMCo dated February 6, 1894. See glassine paper version which appears to be the original." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Letter to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Four page legal document titled 'In matter of alleged defective boiler in steam yacht TRUANT' (#172p):] Mr. Newberry has referred to me as his counsel in the matter of the alleged defective boiler of the steam yacht TRUANT. In order that I might have the assistance of an entirely impartial and competent adviser, I have obtained the assistance of Mr. Jesse Smith, an expert merchanical[sic] engineer of high reputation here, and have received his report, after a careful personal investigation.
What I have to say on the subject of the boiler not be expressed in technical language, but I will endeavor to make myself understood. I beg to assure you at the outset that I intend no threat, but wish only to convey notice to you that it has been fully decided that some action is imperative.
You must accept it as true that very serious injuries have been sustained by the high pressure cylinder. Such injuries are attributable either, as you claim, to negligence in operation, or, as we claim, to defects in mechanism. We stand ready to demonstrate that it is not the former.
Next, it must be accepted by you as true that there have been continuous evidences of the presence of an overplus of water in the high pressure cylinder, due either to want of skill in operation, or to fault in construction. We are ready to demonstrate that it is not the former.
An examination of the interior construction of the boiler discloses that the steam is introduced above the baffle plate, and is expected to separate itself from the excess of water in finding its way over the top of the baffle plate and up under its edges to and through the small apertures in the main steam pipe. If in practice it is not possible to operate without discharging into the high pressure cylinder an excess of water, it is demonstrated that the plan of the boiler is faulty. We are ready to prove that the boiler of the TRUANT cannot be operated without delivering to the cylinder an excess of water.
I desire to put our case to you fully and frankly. It is simply that when used with the utmost care and skill the operation of the boiler is such as to have already reduced the high pressure cylinder to such a state that its further use under a similar condition would be hazardous in the extreme.
I do not touch upon the want of air space under the grates, alluded to in Mr. Newberry's letters to you, nor to the form of connection between the coils and the top header, which seems to be such as necessarily to force into the steam dome large quantities of water, but for the present purpose confine myself to the main point, that the high pressure cylinder is being destroyed by reason of the plan of construction of the boiler, and that different results appear impossible without a radical change of construction.
It has been fully decided upon by Mr. Newberry, unless you are able to remedy the present troubles otherwise, that the boiler of the Truant either shall be changed in its interior construction, or that it shall be removed and its place supplied by another boiler of different make. It is desired that the fullest opportunity will be afforded you to examine the engine and boiler in order that if there is any other possible explanation for the results which are apparent you may have the benefit of it. It is insisted upon our part, however, that if you desire to act at all in the matter you shall act promptly. Our desire would be that you should immediately send a competent person here to take up the subject. We should desire him to come with authority to act in the premises, for there is no time to spare before the opening of navigation.
If you determine not to take action in the matter, it will devolve upon us to proceed without further communication with you, and I desire on behalf of Mr. Newberry to say, again disclaiming any intention to convey a threat, that in such case either the interior construction of the boiler will be changed, if on further careful investigation it seems practicable to do so, or the boiler will be removed and another substituted, and in either case it will be insisted that you will be liable for the expenses incurred, as well as for any other damages sustained.
I beg to assure you that this letter is written in the most friendly spirit, but with the fixed determination to proceed. It is not a matter about which the owners of the TRUANT can take further risk. The destruction of the high pressure cylinder might be attended with consequences too serious to permit of temporizing. The question must now be met, and I therefore [demand] your immediate and careful attention to it." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Letter to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-06.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥

"[Item Description:] About alleged defects in #172p Truant. Very faint carbon copy on glassine paper of a letter identical in contents but not in format to that by William Wells to HMCo dated February 6, 1894. See photostat version which is more readable." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Letter to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Envelope stamped 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co., Bristol, R.I., Builders of Steam Vessels, & Steam Machinery' and addressed to 'Hon Francis Colwell, 4 Westminster Sq., Prov, R.I.'. Marked in ink 'Newberry [#172p Truant owners] vs Herreshoff Mfg. Co.' Undated, postmarked Feb 2[remainder unreadable], suggesting this to have been sent in February 1894, most likely with HMCo to Colwell letter dated February 9, 1894." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Correspondence (envelope) to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. No date (1894-02-09 ?).)
①

"[Item Transcription:] [Two typed pages on HMCo stationery of what appears to be an incomplete or incompletely scanned letter:]
We enclose Press Copy of a letter received from Wm. H. Wells, Detroit Mich, attorney for Truman H. Newberry.
In the month of February, 1892, we contracted with Mrs Helen H. Newberry of Detroit, who was represented by her Son, T. H. Newberry, to construct a steel steam yacht [#172p TRUANT]: We quote from the contract and specifications:-
'That for and in consideration of the payments to be made as hereinafter provided, the said party of the first part hereby agrees to construct for the said party of the second part, in a thoroughly workmanlike manner and of first class material, and, as per specifications hereto appended, said specifications to be, and are, hereby considered as forming a part of this contract, one steam yacht of the following general dimensions,viz: --------------' Machinery to consist of one triple expansion engine having cylinders as follows:- 10in - 16in & 25in diameter by 13-1/2in stroke, one Herreshoff Tubulous Boiler about 7-1/2 feet sq., inside condenser and all necessary connections, pumps, valves, gauges, signal gear and speaking tube to properly handle said machinery in the yacht'. -------
These two clauses, --- the first from contract, second from specifications ---, are all that there is relating to the subject in contention, and neither of these contain any guarantee, implied or otherwise, in fact there is no clause in the contract, or specifications speaking of a guarantee, the only clause implying a guarantee reads as follows:- 'Yacht shall be ready for delivery in 6 months from the date of this agreement and shall make a speed at the rate of 16 statute miles per hour for 2 consecutive hours, said speed to be determined by the mean of 3 runs each way over U.S. trial course in Narragansett Bay, in smooth water and vessel light'. This was fulfilled and the yacht delivered to, and accepted by Mr. Newberry for his mother, Mrs H.H. Newberry, on September 7th, as you will see by the following telegram. Bristol, R.I., Sept. 7, 1892. To Mrs Helen H. Newberry, Detroit, Mich.,
'Have accepted boat and drawn on you for balance: Well and weather beautiful. Much love.
Signed. Truman. The yacht sailed here the same day for Detroit taking on board as fireman, one, Frank Horton, one of our men, who remained on the yacht until it was laid up for the winter 3 months later. Horton makes to us the following voluntary statement [remainder missing]." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Letter to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-09.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] After going over the matter of the yacht TRUANT [#172p] very carefully with the officers of the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. I am satisfied that the company is in no way liable to Mrs. Newberry and that the boiler as constructed by it was in every way equal to what could be called for under the contract and that whatever way have gone wrong in its operation must have been due to careless handling.
In order to prove this and at the same time to show its readiness to give the utmost satisfaction to its customers but by way of admission of the slightest liability, the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. desires me to make the following proposition.
If the owner of the 'TRUANT' will send the high pressure cylinder together with its piston and head to said company is will make such repairs in the same as may be needed, so far as the need of repairs in in any way due to the cause represented in your letter, and will test the same under a hydrostatic pressure of 330 pounds to the square inch and return the same to Detroit free of cost to Mrs. Newberry, provided the owner or manager of the TRUANT will allow the company to appoint an engineer and a fireman --- said owner or manager paying their wages --- and to keep them for one month or more, in order to demonstrate that the boiler, when properly handled makes steam in a satisfactory manner, without injury to the engine and in a reasonably economical manner.
It seems to me that this is an eminently fair proposition. It amounts to first restoring the status quo ante and then taking the subject[?] of proving to your clients just what our clients assert." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-16.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] [Pages 2(?) and 3 or what appears to be a fragment of a draft letter, the final version of which was dated February 16, 1894:] n'cht[?], free of cost to client[?] Euberry[?]. and will make such other repairs to the machinery of the TRUANT [#172p] required for its successful operation, at the expense of the if[?] cube[?] so far as caused by improper and negligent handling, provided the owner or manager of the TRUANT will allow the Herreshoff Co. to appoint an engineer and fireman, said owner or manager paying the wages and to keep them for one month or more, in order to demonstrate that the boiler when properly handled makes steam however, I am [?] that any injuries sustained by the high pressure cylinder in the TRUANT must be attributable to some negligence in operation as claimed[?] by the Herreshoff Company and not to defects in mechanisd[?] as you claim. I feel[?] that the boiler was built in every[?] way[?] equal to what could be called for under the contract.
In order to put the same in as good condition for use[?] and operation as when delivered, however the need of such repairs would[?] have[?] amic[?] and cult[?] text[?] the same under a hydrostatic pressure of 330 pounds to the square." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. No date (1894-02-16).)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] After careful consideration of the subject of your letter, and while insisting that they are under no liability to the owner of the TRUANT [#172p], but wishing to give the utmost satisfaction to their customers and to demonstrate that the boiler of the TRUANT is proper in every respect [in pencil: fully equal to all that their contract called for], the officers of the Herreshoff Mfg Co have concluded to send one of their experts to Detroit to investigate the matter fully and to report to them. This they will do as soon as they hear from you, by mail of wire, where the TRUANT is and whether she is situated that her machinery can be conveniently and thoroughly examined.
Trusting that in meeting your complaints in this friendly spirit my clients will satisfy your wishes, and feeling sure that they can thus demonstrate that they are in no way at fault, I remain ... " (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-20.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Your favor of the 20th inst. received. Both Mr. Truman Newberry and Mr. John Newberry are absent in California.
The matter of our correspondence will have to be deferred until their return. I am pleased that your clients have decided to send an expert here. Their decision will give the Messrs. Newberry very great satisfaction.
As soon as I know definitely when they will be here, I will advise you. [About alleged defects in #172p Truant.]" (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Letter to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I enclose letter just received from Mr. Wells. The tone of the reply to my letter is quite pleasant, and certainly the responsibility of our delay does not now rest upon us in making investigation [on #172p TRUANT] into causes of things complained of.
It now looks as if you might have some more use for your fine sleigh, horses and fair[?] . Kind regards to Mrs. H and Miss Kate, ..." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Herreshoff, J.B. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-02-26.)
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"[Item Description:] In the matter of the Boiler of the Yacht TRUANT [#172p]: Mr. John Newberry has returned from California, and Mr. T. H. Newberry will be here within a few days. I therefore suggest that the Herreschoff[sic] Company at once send their expert here and that he have full authority to dispose of the whole matter in dispute." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Letter to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-14.)
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"[Item Description:] Your favor of the 14th Inst., in re yacht TRUANT [#172p], duly received. The Herreshoff Manf'g Co. will send one of their regular engineers to examine the high pressure cylinder and other cylinders and boiler of the TRUANT in pursuance of proposition made in my letter of the 20th ult. If, then, you will have the cylinder heads taken off, and get all in readiness to get steam on so that a practical steam trial can be made, and will let us know three or four days beforehand, the engineer will be sent out as above stated." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-20.)
①

"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Detroit:] Yacht TRUANT [#172p] all ready. Send authority to contract as well as examine the entire matter must be determined." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Telegram to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-23.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] Your telegram of the 23rd inst. surprised me, for I confess I cannot see how you can expect the engineering expert whom we are to send to Detroit, to do more then examine the yacht [#172p TRUANT] and report at once to the Herreshoff Manf'g Co. Then they being thus fully informed would promptly decide what to do.
This is fair, reasonable and practical, and we will do our part without a moment's delay upon hearing from you by letter or wire." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I duly received your favor of 23rd inst. I regret that I have not sooner than this been able to reply. Messrs Herreshoff are in Bristol and some delay occurs in communication than if they were located in Providence.
Upon fully advising especially upon point of sending some one with authority to contracts as well as to examine, it seems to the Herreshoffs but just that they should be accorded the opportunity of inspecting the condition and working of the yacht TRUANT [#172p] before deciding as to what course they should take in the premises.
In order, however, that there may be no delay on the part of the company in concluding as to what action the company will take, it is proposed to have Mr. Nathaniel Herreshoff, representing the firm, with engineers at once to visit the yacht and make desired examinations and trials and therefor Mr Nathaniel Herreshoff will confer with Messrs. Newberry, Mr. H[erreshoff] acting in behalf of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.
In case no satisfactory adjustments can be arrived at, however, you will pardon me for suggesting that it seems to me not unreasonable that assurances should be given that any action proposed to be taken by your clients, should be deferred until after Mr. Herreshoff returns home. I am well convinced that the Herreshoffs are desirous of acting justly in this matter, and prefer to lean[?] to the side[?] of performing more than they might think themselves called upon to do, rather than to risk any charge against them of not responding to any just call upon them.
If above suggestions meets your approval and that of your clients please advise when the yacht may be found readily for performs of inspection and trust
Very truly ..." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-27.)
① ② ③

"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Detroit:] Your assurance of immediate action satisfactory. Please send expert at once [to #172p TRUANT]." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Telegram to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-28.)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Detroit:] Will be pleased to comply with suggestion of your twenty seventh inst. Yacht [#172p TRUANT] ready, when will Mr. Herreshoff and engineer be here?" (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Telegram to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-30.)
①

"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Detroit:] Please advise if expert has been sent [to #172p TRUANT]." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Telegram to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-03-30.)
①

"[Item Description:] [Telegram to Detroit:] Experts [to inspect #172p TRUANT] leave today. Mr Nat Herreshoff detained by business." (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Telegram to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-02.)
①

"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Detroit:] Herreshoff's men propose leaving tomorrow meaning before completing work on yacht TRUANT [#172p]. Instruct them to wait for conference with us tomorrow." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Telegram to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-10.)
①

"[Item Description:] [Telegram to Detroit:] Your telegram was duly communicated to Herreshoff Company but no change of plans was then practicable. [About alleged defects in #172p Truant.]" (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Telegram to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-13.)
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"[Item Description:] Possibly by the time this reaches you, you will have received the report of the men who were sent here by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company to examine the Yacht TRUANT [#172p]. I feel sure that they discovered the defects which it is claimed exist in the yacht and doubtless you will promptly be able to write us what you propose to do about it. We thank you for you for your courtesy thus far, and ourselves desire to appear courteous, while we at the same time insist that there shall be no delay on the part of the Herreshoff Company in the matter." (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Letter to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-16.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] Referring to Mr. Wells' letter of February 6th last, regarding steam yacht TRUANT [#172p], we have sent our expert engineer to Detroit, with his assistant, to examine and report upon the condition of boiler and engines in said yacht. We have received his report and have to say:- Referring to paragraph 3 of Mr. Wells letter, we are prepared to prove that no injuries whatever have been sustained by the high pressure cylinder.
Referring to P-4: We do not accept it as true that there has been continuous evidence of an overplus of water in the high pressure cylinder, due to fault of construction.
Referring to P-5: We are prepared to prove that the boiler in the Truant can be, and has been, operated without delivering water to H.P.cylinder.
We are also prepared to prove that, during the three months of the first season, the boiler and engines worked perfectly, and that, during a period of four months of the second season, no complaint was received by us relative to the faults specified by the owner. We are also prepared to show, and prove the incompetency of the engineer who has been running the machinery in the yacht and that the engines show conclusive evidence of lack of skill in handling and gross negligence in care of same.
The evidence is conclusive that the yacht was designed, and built, in accordance with the contract and that a satisfactory, full power, trial trip was made, with Mr. Newberry representing the owner on board, and the yacht was duly accepted and paid for, and, that we have proved after nearly two seasons hard use, the yacht worked equally as well in making two full power trials, with our men on board at Detroit, Monday April 9th and Tuesday April 10th, 1894.
As you know, we were not obliged to send out men, but did so to help our customer and to prove that the assertions, herein mentioned, made by Mr. Newberry's Attorney are groundless. Here we rest and we hope Mr. Newberry will have the good sense to do likewise.
" (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Letter to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-20.)
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"[Item Transcription:] In reply to your favor of the 16th inst., I have to say that I am just in receipt of advices from the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, as to the condition in which the steam yacht TRUANT [#172p] was found by expert engineer and assistant.
They do not report as having discovered, upon thorough examination, any of the defects claimed to have existed due to fault of construction, but did find apparent from inspection of the engines and machinery, conclusive evidence of unskillful handling and negligence in care of same.
They report as having made two full power trials of the yacht on April 9th and 10th, which proved as satisfactory as those made when the yacht was delivered to and accepted by Mr. Newberry.
Especially upon examination and trial as reported, the Company feel that they are prepared to show that no injuries have been sustained by the high pressure cylinder, that there has been no surplus of water in same, due to any fault of construction, and that it is apparent that the boiler in the TRUANT can be well operated without delivering water to the high pressure cylinder.
The engineer sent to make examination did, as I am advised by the Company, have some minor things attended to on the yacht in the way of repair.
While I do not desire to shrink in any manner from advising my client to meet every obligation which they may be under in this matter, and especially desiring to save them from being involved in legal controversy if possible, still, upon those representations made by their engineer after examination, I do not see how I can advise them that they are under any legal liability to your clients.
Desiring to respond to any communication you may have to make in this matter both frankly and courteously, and at the same
time to justly represent my clients,
I am ... [Penciled note on verso:] Copy. Letter to William H. Wells. Not mailed by an accident until this April 25th 1894 [which explains Wells' telegram of that date...]" (Source: Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Letter to Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-23.)
① ② ③

"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Detroit:] Nothing yet from the Herreshoff Company. Must have immediate answer. [About alleged defects in #172p Truant.]" (Source: Wells, William (Newberry lawyer). Telegram to Colwell, Francis (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. lawyer). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1894-04-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink) trials booklet. Untitled. Relevant contents:
§2: #172p TRUANT Trial Run (1892-8 & 1892-09)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_04190. Folder [no #]. 1892-08 to 1895-05.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨

"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink and pencil) trials booklet 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Experiments & Trial Trips. 1890. N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§27: #172p TRUANT Provisional Trial Run (1892-09-01)
§28: #172p TRUANT Contract Trial Run (1892-09-03)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_02260. Folder [no #]. 1890-01 to 1898-08.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯ ⑰ ⑱ ⑲ ⑳ ㉑ ㉒ ㉓ ㉔ ㉕ ㉖ ㉗ ㉘ ㉙ ㉚ ㉛ ㉜ ㉝ ㉞ ㉟ ㊱ ㊲ ㊳ ㊴ ㊵ ㊶ ㊷ ㊸ ㊹ ㊺ ㊻ ㊼ ㊽ ㊾ ㊿
① ② ③ ④

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Four handwritten (in ink) pages with tabulated data listing 'Shop No', 'Name', '[Tons] Gross' and '[Tons] Net' for a total of 100 HMCo-built boats and classes. Tonnage data is usually precise to two digits behind the decimal. Random comparisons suggest source of tonnage data to be official Custom House data. Boats mentioned are: #664s, #663s, #625s, #665s, #634s, #658s, #657s, #646s, #641s, #617s, #626s Class, #624s, #621s, #616s, #619s, #590s, #591s, #586s, #592 Class, #618s, #605s, #578s, #560s Class, #580s, #553s, #551s, #552s, #546s, #541s, #545s, #538s, #534s, #533s, #532s, #529s, #534s, #530s, #531s, #435s, #437s, #452s, #499s, #429s, #426s, #424s, #481s, #422s, #417s, #414s, #451s, #215p, #213p, #222p, #235p, #230p, #229p, #236p, #224p, #244p, #247p, #249p, #231p, #232p, #228p, #252p, #250p, #251p, #248p, #168p, #164p, #118p, #142p, #174p, #173p, #194p, #189p, #193p, #183p, #178p, #179p, #181p, #182p, #175p, #163p, #148p, #149p, #172p, #155p, #170p, #186p, #188p, #206p, #207p, #205p, #208p, #209p, #210p, #211p, #212p, #216p. Undated (the latest boat listed, WINSOME, was launched in 1907)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Handwritten List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00220. Folder [no #]. No date (1907 or later).)
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"[Item Description:] Steering wheel cover plate design including name, hull no, and year for #172p TRUANT." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Steering Wheel Cover Plate Design. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.132. Box HAFH.6.4B, Folder Steering Wheel Cover Plates. 1938-10-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Newspaper clipping from an undifentified newspaper from Newport, R.I.:] Proud Yacht, Once Admired by a President Sold for Junk
TRUANT [#172p], Built for Newberry, Ends 45 Years' Sailing for Pleasure and in Public Service
The TRUANT, a yacht that was built for Truman H. Newberry, later owned by Samuel Insull, utilities emperor, and once admired by Theodore Roosevelt, is no more.
In her heyday, the yacht was one of the smartest and speediest on the Great Lakes. But the ship has been sold for $1,000 as junk. It cost $100,000 when it was built in 1891 by Herreshoff, New England shipbuilder.
Until two years ago, the yacht was in use as a training ship for sea scouts and annually sailed the lakes with its load of youthful sailors. Two years ago some Detroit Sea Scouts cruised to the World's Fair on it.
The boat is being torn apart, but the engine will be added to the collection in Henry Ford's Industrial Museum at Dearborn [where it still is].
Newberry was an enthusiastic yachtsman and an organizer of the Naval Reserve before the Spanish-American War, serving oh the training ship Yantic. He later became Secretary of the Navy under Theodore Roosevelt.
While Newberry was a cadet in the Michigan Naval Brigade in 1895, he met Theodore Roosevelt, then assistant secretary of the Navy. The Assistant Secretary was at Mackinac Island when the Yantic came in on her annual cruise. The future President went aboard for an inspection. While he was on board, a big, white yacht swept by.
Roosevelt admired the trim, fast pleasure craft, and asked a near-by seaman, who was scrubbing the deck, the name of the yacht.
'That, Sir, is the TRUANT,' said the tar.
'How can you tell from this distance?' demanded the Assistant Secretary.
'Because, Sir, I own her,' replied seaman Newberry.
Roosevelt was impressed by the modesty of the deckhand who scrubbed decks while his own yacht, filled with guests, glided past.
The TRUANT served in the World War as a patrol boat, and cruised the seas hunting submarines. Newberry sold her to Insull, who gave her to the Illinois Naval Reserve." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE14_00660. Newspaper Clipping. Folder [no #]. No date (1945 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Notes and thank you letter from then-HMM curator Carlton Pingeiro to Lloyd and Suzanne Adams, donors of the collection of legal documents involving the allegedly defective boiler of the 1892 steam yacht #172p TRUANT." (Source: Pinheiro, Carlton. Letter to Adams., Lloyd. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 97.702. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. 1997-08-06.)
① ② ③

Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #172p Truant even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Truant (HMCo-made index card)
• Truant (MIT Museum-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.

Name: Truant
Type: Steam
Length: 132'4"
Owner: Newbury, Helen H.

Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "A Partial List of Herreshoff Clients." In: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Herreshoff Yachts. Bristol, Rhode Island, ca. 1931.

• Truant
• Note: The L. Francis Herreshoff index cards comprise a set of some 1200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and / or ownership information. Apparently compiled in the early 1930s, for later HMCo-built boats like the Fishers Island 23s or the Northeast Harbor 30s are not included. Added to in later decades, apparently by L. F. Herreshoff as well as his long-time secretary Muriel Vaughn and others. Also 46 cards of L. F. Herreshoff-designed vessels. The original set of index cards is held by the Herreshoff Marine Museum and permission to display is gratefully acknowledged.

Name: Truant
Type: 132' steamer; her engine is in the Ford Museum.
Owner: Helen H. Newberry
Year: 1892
Row No.: 693

Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. "Partial List of Herreshoff-Built Boats." In: Herreshoff, L. Francis. Capt. Nat Herreshoff. The Wizard of Bristol. New York, 1953, p. 325-343.

Year: 1892
E/P/S: P
No.: 172
Name: Truant
OA: 131' 4"
LW: 108"

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.

"Steel yacht for Great Lakes. Cabin forward." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. [Note on Vessel Name Index Card.] No date.)

"Owned by Henry Ford between 1935 and 1941. Her steam engine is in the collection of the Henry Ford Museum as Object ID 36.470.1." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 18, 2014.)

"According to the Construction Record and the HMCo-made vessel index card Truant was fitted with a 10" & 16" & 25 1/2" & 13 1/2" triple engine. This appears to be in error as no plan for such an engine exists and Lloyd's Register consistently reports Truant's engine dimensions as 10" & 16" & 25" & 13 1/2". Note that many vessel index cards were apparently copied from the Construction Record, which would mean that one erroneous entry in the latter would have also resulted in an error in the former. Truant's engine dimensions have been corrected to 10" & 16" & 25" & 13 1/2" for the Herreshoff Catalogue Raisonné. Note that the Henry Ford Museum reports this engine as being a 10" 1/2" & 16" & 25 1/2" & 13 1/2" engine." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 14, 2015.)

"Steam engine rating 820hp from undated (1903 or later) diagram by N. G. Herreshoff titled 'Marine Engine. Weights and Prices' in the Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 24, 2019.)

"Marine Engine of Open Type. 10 & 16 & 25 x 13 1/2, 460[rpm], 810[hp]." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten List of HMCo-Made Steam Engines. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, MRDED1_00220. Undated, between 1903 and 1918.)

"Built in 200 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $300/day, 1004 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"In the absence of better available data displacement was estimated by using the figure for Gross Register Tons (100.38) from the 1896 Manning's American Yacht List (Net Register Tons were reported as 50.19) and converting to lbs by dividing through 2000 (short tons). Note that this figure can only be a rough estimate because register tons as reported in Yacht Registers correlate only loosely with actual displacement figures." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2015.)

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