HMCo #177p Vanish

"[1894-04-06] Fri 6: Launched Vanish [apparently #177p] from Brownell boat house & took in shop.
[1903-05-04] Mon 4: L[igh]t rain most of day. L[igh]t N to NE [wind]. Went to Fall River early and met Caddie, Mrs. DeWolf & Griswold and brought them home. Launched Vanish [#177p, built in 1893 and recently bought by E. D. Morgan] & Helvetia II #232 from N[orth] dock." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1894. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection. Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1903. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"May 6, 1903
Vanish (10 years old). Resold to Mr. E.D. Morgan.
48ft over all. Regular 7[in] stroke engine and boiler built 2 years ago and just retubed.
On 1/2 mile course in harbor, wind NE, 12miles, 4 on board, and required equipment less part of life preservers, about 1/4 ton of coal. Machinery running very well and boat very steady. Coal didn't burn well and could not get over 230lbs [steam pressure], average rather under 225[lbs].
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with mean speed being 18.84mph (16.37kn)]." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten note in Trials Booklet '1898 - 1909' under date of May 6, 1903. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.)

"St[eam]er 177. 21.23 miles per hour. July 6 94[?] [unreadable word]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G.?. Penciled note on plan HH.5.00180 (003-040) Constr. Plan of 48' Steam Launch (1886-06). Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection, MIT Museum, Cambridge MA. https://collections.mitmuseum.org/object/hh-5-00180/.)

"PROVIDENCE, July 6 [1894] --- The second trial trip of the steam launch Vanish occurred this morning in Bristol harbor over the one-mile course. Four runs were made, turning at full speed each time, and, according to the official time, she made the average speed of 21 23-100 miles an hour. There were two runs made, in which she showed the remarkable speed of 21.83 an hour, according to official time. Her revolutions were 900 per mlnute. She was built by the Herreshoffs for the Rev. Mr. Aspinwall of California. " (Source: Anon. "The Steam Launch Vanish Shows Speed." New York Sun, July 7, 1894, p. x.)

"SHELTER ISLAND HEIGHTS, Aug. 15 [1894]. The Rev. J. A. Aspinwall of Washington met with a serious accident this afternoon on board his steam yacht Vanish [#177p]. One of the tubes in the engine boiler exploded. The Vanish was racing the Palos [#166p ex-Missisquoi], owned by J. B. Edson, at the time.
The Vanish is a forty-foot launch and one of the fastest boats in the vicinity. There was a heavy pressure of steam on when the tube burst. This filled the fireplace with gas, which ignited at once, enveloping the whole engine house in flames. The engineer jumped overboard, but Mr. Aspinwall, who was running the engine at the time, remained in the boat.
The Palos drew up alongside and transferred Mr. Aspinwall and the engineer, who was also seriously burned, on board and steamed off for medical aid. A couple of men from the Palos extinguished the fire, which charred the woodwork and upholstery considerably. The Erna, Mr. Greenfield's launch, took charge of the Vanish and towed her into the harbor.
The Vanish was built a year ago, and this is the second accident of a serious nature that has happened to her. How serious Mr. Aspinwall's injuries are is not known. He is badly burned about the face, hands, and limbs." (Source: Anon. "The Rev. J. A. Aspinwall Injured. Burned by the Bursting of Boiler Tube on His Steam Yacht." New York Times, August 16, 1894, p. 1.)

"From the Providence Journal. ...
Steam launch Vanish, owned by the Rev. Mr. Aspinwall of California, who has a summer residence at Shelter Island, N. Y., is also moored at the company's shops, and will be hauled up there for the winter. Her engine and boiler have been taken out." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Boats. New Steam Yachts Under Way. Craft Being Hauled Up for the Winter." New York Sun, October 21, 1894, p. 8.)

"New London District. 1894. ... August 15. --- The boiler of steam launch Vanish (Herreshoff type) exploded in Greenport Harbor. Her engineer was slightly injured, while her owner (J. A. Aspinwall) was more severely injured by steam and fire. Cause of explosion, low water, in consequence of defective connection of water gauge with boiler (out of sight), thereby showing water in gauge when there was none in boiler. ..." (Source: U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service. "Annual Report of the Supervising Inspector General, Steamboat Inspection Service." Washington, 1895, p. 30.)

"J. L. Hutchinson is reported to have sold his steam launch Imp [#139p ex-Lotus Seeker I], and to have purchased the newer and larger launch Vanish [#177p]." (Source: New York Times, August 11, 1895, p. 12.)

"Mr. J. L. Hutchinson, N.Y.Y.C., has purchased from the Rev. J. A. Aspinwall, N.Y.Y.C., the high speed launch Vanish. This boat on her trial trip last August made the remarkable time of 22 1/4 miles an hour for three consecutive hours. This speed has never been equalled in this country by a boat of this size." (Source: Anon. "Yachting Notes." New York Herald, July 29, 1895, p. 8.)

"A 65-foot fast steam launch [#229p Sunbeam] for J. L. Hutchinson, of the New-York Yacht Club, was launched from the Herreshoff shop on Thursday [March 18, 1903]. Mr. Hutchinson is also owner of the fast launch Vanish [#177p]." (Source: Anon. "Of Interest to Yachtsmen." New York Tribune, March 21, 1903, p. 5.)

"E. D. Morgan has purchased the fast speed launch Vanish for use as a tender to Columbia [#499s]. The boat has made as high as 22 knots." (Source: Anon. "Yachting Briefs." Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 4, 1903, p. 20.)

"BRISTOL, R.I., May 10 [1903]. --- .... The open steam launch Vanish, recently purchased by ex-Commodore E. D. Morgan as a tender and dispatch boat for the Columbia [#499s] during the Summer, after a general overhauling, was given a series of speed and boiler tests in the harbor the past week, and was almost up to her former speed of ten years ago, when she steamed at the rate of nearly twenty-two miles an hour. The Vanish is about 40 feet in length and is the greatest flier seen in Bristol Harbor for some years. The Vanish left for Newport Thursday afternoon. ..." (Source: Anon. "The Reliance At Bristol." New York Times, May 11, 1903, p. 7.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., June 12 [1909] --- ... The fast steam launch Vanish, owned by a Shelter island clergyman [sic, i.e. E. D. Morgan], also is being fitted out at Walkers cove. The craft can make 22 knots quite handily. ..." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, June 13, 1909, p. 41.)

"Robert W. Emmons' sonder racer Toboggan [#697s] has been straightened out as well as could be by Herreshoff after a week's work, and is now at Buzzards Bay.
John B. Herreshoff's steam yacht Eugenia [#224p] was placed in commission last Tuesday [June 14, 1910] and is soon to start on a cruise to New York.
The fast steam launch Vanish [#177p], owned by Capt. Aspinall [sic, i.e. E. D. Morgan] of New York, is in the Herreshoff shops being repaired for the season.
A. H. Alker's steam yacht Floretta [sic, i.e. #208p Florette ex-Florence] is being overhauled at Walker's cove and the sloop Duchess [#566s ex-Arria], owned by Joseph E. Fletcher Jr., was launched from there recently and is now ready to go into commission for the season." (Source: Anon. [No Title.] Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 21, 1910, p. 4).

"BRISTOL, R I, Oct 1 [1910] --- ... Edwin D. Morgan's steam launch Vanish, which showed a speed of 21.88 knots in a trial in Bristol harbor, has arrived from Shelter Island to be laid up for the winter. ..." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, October 2, 1910, p. 64.)

"N/A"

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) sheet titled 'Propeller of VANISH [#177p]. Pattern as changed Aug 4, 1893', showing four tables titled Blade I to Blade IV with dimensions. Marked in upper left corner 'Measured May, 22, 97'." (Source: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.134. Table. Box HAFH.6.4B, Folder Propeller. 1897-05-02.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] I have within a few days returned from Mexico, and yesterday received from Mr. Belmont copies of correspondence between you, 14th and 19th April inclusive.
Mr. Belmont's present understanding as to the capability of the 'SCOUT' [#203p] is as received originally from me and confirmed by you in his presence in your model room ---a speed of more than 20 miles on trial, an average of 17 miles in ordinary use. I am thus definite because I was most careful to convey to Messrs. Belmont and Vanderbilt [#207p MIRAGE] the impression of the boats I received from you as nearly as possible word for word, and I furthermore told them that as the matter was an exact science with you, there was no guess work about it, quoting the performances of 'NOW THEN' [#142p] 'DAISY' [#133p ex-HENRIETTA], 'ITEM' [#183p] 'VANISH' [#177p] &c between Newport and Sound Harbors as well as elsewhere. The question of our using the launches [#203p SCOUT and #207p MIRAGE] between Newport and the vicinity of New York came up frequently in conversation and was included as among the ordinary uses. However, the point is, what can the SCOUT do between Newport and Roslyn? and there is only one way to answer this question satisfactorily between Mr. Belmont and yourself, that is for you personally to make the run from Newport to Roslyn in her. This only will demonstrate the point at issue, the water tank capacity. You are involved in nothing more serious than a pleasant Sunday trip down the Sound with no expense for return trip, as I am sure Mr. Belmont would gladly assume such incidentals. Once the boat has demonstrated under your supervision exactly what she can do, the whole matter will assume a much more tangible form. At present all appear to be at cross purposes. I am taking this trouble with the single purpose of bringing about a termination to this question which shall be satisfactory to the principals. As to my own feelings in the matter, I note what you say about Mr. Belmont having been misinformed as to the capacity of the SCOUT, and also your scathing criticisms of my agent, Mr. Taylor, who was sent by me for the purpose and with the order to make the best possible showing for the boat." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37870. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-05-09.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] With regard to the work to be done on the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s], will you kindly send the necessary workers to straighten out the stern post, as we will be launching off about the 1st of April. Of course, if it is too inconvenient to send men now, it could be done later in the season when on the ways, but I would prefer to have it done now.
Again, to what disadvantage would I be in having the running winches adjusted at City Island by your men as against sending to Bristol? The latter would be very inconvenient on account of the early racing, May 21st, but of course can be done if absolutely necessary. Let me know what you think about this please.
I have just asked the firm to put in work a new hollow topmast for me, and have told them that if the will rent the VANISH [#177p] to me till January 1st for $1500 I will then buy her for $3500." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38150. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-03-20.)
①

"[Item Description:] I propose to use on the bottom of the VANISH [#177p] the same kind of paint that I used to have on the DAISY [#133p ex-HENRIETTA] and of which I have some in the wreck. If her bottom has not already been painted, I will have some of that forwarded to you at once. In fact, in any case I think I will have it forwarded and ask you to have it put on. Of course you understand that the bottom should be quite dry and the salt from the salt water entirely removed from it, and that the paint itself should be constantly and thoroughly stirred while being put on. If you will see to this for me I will be greatly obliged, and in order that the paint may not go astray I will have it forwarded to you personally." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38190. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-04-04.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] I have been making in various directions inquiries for a first-class engineer for the VANISH [#177p] and it occurred to me to ask if you had any man in your employ that you could recommend highly for the position?
I congratulate you most heartily on the success of Saturday last [when #605s RELIANCE was launched]. It certainly was your day." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38200. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-04-13.)
①

"[Item Description:] I have yours of the 20th for which I am obliged. I am hoping to arrange to be in Bristol for Saturday and will leave the matter of arranging the 'VANISH' [#177p] until then. Leave the sockets that hold the bows of the canopy top on the coamings." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38210. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-04-22.)
①

"[Item Description:] On my return I received your telegram saying:- 'Anti fouling paint caked'. I then wired you to use your white paint [on #177p VANISH]. Inasmuch as this turns a dark color, I would like to have you, after that paint has dried, put over it a white line at the water line as she has at present with, however, the exception that the new white line is to be six inches wide instead of one inch wide, as at present. The top edge of this new wide band will of course come in the same place as the present top edge of the narrow white band." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38220. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-04-28.)
①

"[Item Description:] I learn by a letter from your brother [JBH] that he was much pleased by the steam trial of the 'VANISH' [#177p] which had just been made, but he does not say anything further about it. Will you kindly let me know the result of the trial? I hope that my representative found everything in good working order. I was somewhat disturbed [the] day before yesterday to find the 'RELIANCE' [#605s] a little dull in a light breeze. Of course her mainsail would account for it to a certain extent, but not sufficiently to make us feel altogether happy in that kind of sailing. I have no doubt, however, that you will make a radical improvement in her." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38230. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-05-07.)
①

"[Item Description:] I received both of your letters this morning on my arrival at the office. I am glad to hear so good a report of the 'VANISH' [#177p] and am obliged to you for having attended to the matter for me. I found her Saturday morning ready for use at Glen Cove and it felt like old times to have her start off again like the 'DAISY' [ex-HENRIETTA]. There is no doubt about it, they are delightful boats. I too, had the same opinion and so expressed myself to Ollie [Iselin] about that mainsail that the 'RELIANCE' [#605s] had on when she came alongside of me. The next mainsail she put on appeared to me, on very brief examination, to be very good indeed, and one I am sure would have started her up much more briskly." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38240. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-05-11.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] I find that the COLUMBIA's [#499s] forestay shows some weakness and I am therefore very anxious to obtain a new forestay. Can you not send on one of the new steel heartwise immediately, with riggers to splice it and put it in place? I suppose without doubt it will have to be spliced in position. Miller says that could easily be done by rigging a staging up in the necessary place. I would also like to get a topmaststay of the same kind, i.e. steel heart, if they are made that way. I am having so much difficulty in holding my jibtopsails in place. I am very sorry not to be able to show you the jibtopsails, which you made for me, in use, as I am certain that you could change them satisfactorily. At present I am obliged to use the last ones made in 1901 for the Cup Race, and they are by no means satisfactory. Can you not hurry up the track for the No. 3 Clubtopsail Yard? I suppose the shaft for the wheel started by express yesterday. I am hoping to get it to-day. I took my first sail with your new mainsail since you have altered it yesterday, and it is a pleasure to me to tell you how pleased I am with it so far. Once can never know the value of a sail until he has raced with it, but this looks just right. I should be greatly relieved and obliged to you if you would push the matter of the new forestay for me, and if possible, as I said before, send some riggers on with it to put it in place at once.
With kindest regards, ...
P.S. What would be the cost for a spare wheel [propeller] for the 'VANISH' [#177p]? Since writing the above I have had my conversation with you over the telephone. How is my Steel yard getting on and how soon may I expect to have it? Also please wire me how soon I may expect the new forestay?" (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38280. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-06-03.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] May I ask you to fill out for the VANISH [#177p] the blanks under the head of steamer and return to me at your earliest convenience? I gather from what I hear from all other sources that in yacht building and designing you are probably having an easier winter as far as work goes than you did last. There seems to be so very little doing in the yacht line about here.
I hope you and your family are keeping well this winter. So far we have done very well at Wheatly. Mrs. Morgan went off yesterday to Groton to see Edwin thinking there might be a chance of our going abroad, but I am afraid that is out of the question this winter, and it is a good deal of a disappointment to me. We have had wonderful sleighing for Long Island --- in fact such as I have never seen before in that place, which is not in any way fitted for sleighing, but is has really been very enjoyable. My only use of it has been going to and from the station. Nevertheless, that is better than nothing." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38380. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1904-02-03.)
①

"[Item Description:] Many thanks for the filled out blanks [for the Yacht List questionnaire for #177p VANISH] which I received in due course. There seems to be a great deal of talk about these 'automobile boats'. I am wondering if you are putting your mind on it at all." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38390. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1904-02-08.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] [Signed typewritten letter on 'H.P. Whitney, 32 Nassau Street, New York' stationery:] It is quite awhile now since you and I have had much communication on the subject of boats. I have always had it in mind to build sometime a large schooner, say 130 feet waterline, with an auxiliary engine --- alcohol preferred, the boat not to draw more than fifteen feet, three masted, if you consider best.
I presume that it is too late to start on such a boat this year, and do not want to involve you in plans and specifications for something that I may not build for twelve months, but should be obliged to you if you would give me a rough estimate of what the probable cost of such a boat would be, and the probable length of time it would take to build; also whether you could build a boat of that size, and, if not, with whom you could arrange for having it done, as I suppose you know I would never be content in the boat line with anything that was not designed and built by you.
[p. 2] Also, I am contemplating building a motor launch to be ready in April or May [1905]. I understand that you have built for Mr. Iselin [#232p HELVETIA II], which is about what I want, except in the matter of speed.
I would like a boat about fifty feet long, able enough to navigate the Sound, with a speed of about twenty miles an hour; in fact forty feet might be long enough for my purposes.
Would you be kind enough to send me some rough idea of such a boat, to hold about half a dozen people, stating the price, motor, horsepower, length, etc? I have a 60 HP Mercedes engine which, perhaps, might be utilized.
Yours very truly, ... [With handwritten P.S.:] P.S. In the launch matter. in any question between speed & comfort I would prefer more speed & less comfort. [Incl penciled draft reply by NGH on verso:] We would be pleased to build you an aux schooner of the size you mention, which is about as large our building shed will take.
It is rather late now to build for the coming season, and as it takes a good deal of time to make up the plans for such a yacht it would be well to start in 10 or 12 months before you want the craft completed.
Do you prefer a yacht of type of INTREPID or more like ATLANTIC? Both good yachts, the first probably better for seagoing purposes. As to auxiliary power I never could recommend one using an inflammable substance for fuel in a decked vessel. I think it far better for you to use steam, with coal fuel.
I am not quite prepared to make estimates of cost and would like to find out a little more thoroughly what your requirements are.
We can build you a motor launch of between 40ft and 50ft length that will have a speed of 20 miles per hour, but I am of opinion that a craft of less maximum speed would be pleasanter to go in on Long Is[land] Sound unless it is calm weather. The Mercedes motor you speak of, if it can be adapted for marine use would make a good power. We have a 30ft launch [#240p 240] built late last fall with a 25-30 HP motor of our own make which made 16 1/2 miles on the measured mile and have also a new launch with steam power [# ???p], which has not yet been afloat, which is 45ft long and has an engine our latest design of about 75 HP. This craft is expected to make over 18 miles. This launch is a little smaller but of same class as Mr. E.D. Morgan's VANISH [#177p]. I think a steam launch of this type is more reliable than the gasoline motor launch but we can make you either kind you prefer.
In a P.S. you mention that you prefer speed to comfort. Perhaps a racing craft more like XPDNC [#245p] would appeal to you. Please let me know.
Yours very truly, ..." (Source: Whitney, Harry Payne (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23060. Correspondence, Folder 68. 1905-01-10.)
① ② ③ ④

"[Item Description:] Handwritten notebook. This booklet had two lives: In 1907-1908, 1908-1909 and 1909-1910 it was used for winter storage records, listing name of boat, owner, storage location, billed amount, and dates of storage. Listed were for the winter of 1907/1908: #235p MIST, ORIANA, #571s LARIKIN, EAGLET, #453s VAQUERO II, #580s TRIVIA, #663s ISTALENA, COSSACK, #666s AVENGER, #220p ATALA (for sale), #207p MIRAGE, #224p EUGENIA, #146p AUGUSTA, #247p SEA URCHIN, #105p COSETTE, ARLINE, #213p FLORENCE, #208p FLORETTE, #249p SISILINA, #591s IROLITA, #481s SPALPEEN, DUCHESS, #669s ELEANOR, #460s KILDEE, #647s CAPRICE, #408s PELICAN, #243p SWIFTSURE, #617s COCK ROBIN, #177p VANISH, #446s ALERION, and #591s IROLITA I, for the winter of 1908/1909: #666s AVENGER, #663s ISTALENA, #481s SPALPEEN, #580s TRIVIA, #617s COCK ROBIN, COSSACK, #177p VANISH, #242p #242, #243p SWIFTSURE, SKIP, #446s ALERION, CHEWINK II, DUCHESS, #571s LARIKIN, #460s KILDEE, #679s PEPITA, EAGLET, #408s PELICAN, #453s VAQUERO, #146p AUGUSTA, #224p EUGENIA, COYOTE, #264p SARAH WEBB, #207p MIRAGE, ARLINE, #213p FLORENCE, #208p FLORETTE, #249p SISILINA, #591s IROLITA I, CASSANDRA 27ft Launch, and #263p CASSANDRA 34ft Launch, and for the winter of 1909/1910: #252p WANECHE (no further boats were listed). At some later time, the same book was turned upside down and inscribed with a new title in ink '200Ft Submarine Destroyer [#191802ep Unbuilt 200ft Submarine Chaser]. Data + Calculation Book. Herreshoff Mfg Co.' on its now-new front cover (formerly its back cover), followed by weight data estimates and calculations for this submarine destroyer." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Notebook. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.087. Box HAFH.6.2B, Folder Submarine Destroyer 200-Footer. 1907-1908, 1908-1909, 1909-1910, 1918-06.)
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

"[Item Transcription:] I was very glad to see your familiar hand on arriving at the office this morning and very much interested to hear that you have a lot of new work. I suppose that those three new one design sloops [New York 57s #663s ISTALENA, #664s WINSOME and #667s AURORA] will be the best kind of fun and I envy the owners. I am looking forward with a great deal of interest to seeing the models. You do not mention what other work you have. Sometime if you are at leisure I would like to hear what it is, but I do not want to impose any extra task on you because I know what a lot of work you must have with your brother away, although I had not heard before that he was away. [JBH had been for 2 months in Europe in the spring of 1907.]
I have taken my engineer for a chauffeur and as far as I can see, I have done wisely, for he certainly has a most satisfactory character and disposition. I am therefore, treating now for a new engineer and as soon as he has been engaged, I will send him to Newport to have the VANISH [#177p] towed to Bristol with the boiler in her quite loose. When the retubing has been finished he will see to the replacing and putting the engine in order. I think perhaps it would be well after you see what work has to be done in rabbiting the sleeve of the shaft, if you would send me an outside figure.
I hear that the 'INGOMAR' [#590s] is to be out with [Charlie] Barr in charge, and I understand that Butler Duncan is to be on board of her, at least for a time. How I envy him. I am going to try to get him to take me sailing with him once, as I have never even been aboard the 'INGOMAR'.
I am sure you will appreciate how serious to me is the loss of Capt. Craven, as a friend as well as a seaman. Twenty-nine years of service speaks for itself and the whole family feel his loss most severely." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38500. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1907-05-20.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] I have had two applications from W. Crowell to act as Master of the 'VANISH' [#177p]. As yet I have engaged nobody to take that position, and I would be very obliged if you could give me some information about him. As you understand, it is a place of trust, as I send the children out, and also one of patience, as the launch has to wait many hours without doing anything at time at the float; also needs the quality of being willing to work, for the times do come when I am at home when I keep the launch on the go a great deal and expect her to be in good order all the time. Is he a man that has been in your employ, and is his reputation one of sobriety, etc? What should you say was his age, and is he married or single?
I was quite disappointed on Sunday, as I had hoped to see you for a few minutes. On Friday morning, Mrs. Morgan, Elizabeth and I started in my 50 H.P. Packard from Wheatly, thence to Suffield, ten miles South of Springfield. Next day we went to Southborough where Archer is at school and where Edwin was due that day with the Groton boys to play the St. Marks Nine. We had a very enjoyable day having a full afternoon with both boys. In the evening, a little after six, we ran into Boston and stayed there over night. The next day, Sunday, we expected to go to Newport, via Bristol ferry, taking the night boat back to New York; but just as I was getting into the car Mr. William Iselin told me that he had just word from Mrs Kane at Newport that the big boat was not running on the Bristol ferry, and I had to change my plans and run down by Saunderstown. I was quite disappointed as I had expected to spend at least a half hour with you at Bristol, though I felt there was a possibility of your being off for the day --- however, only a pleasure postponed.
Of course anything you say about the man, Crowell, above mentioned, is entirely in confidence.
Thanking you in advance for any information you may be able to give me on this subject, and with kind regards, believe me...
[P.S.] Crowell hails[?] from Bristol & took the VANISH[?] to Newport a few days since." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38520. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1907-06-10.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] I am sending you herewith a copy of a letter which I have received from the Secretary of the Eastern Yacht Club.
If not too much trouble, could you give me the dimensions, etc. asked concerning the 'PUCK' [#465s], 'VANISH' [#177p], and also the 'GOSSIP' [#630s]?
I certainly expected to have been to Bristol before this, but there seems to have been no end of circumstances to prevent.
Going to town has been one very important factor, as I have not been fortunate enough to escape even one week so far this summer. I hope, however, to get up to Bristol before leaving Newport. The summer would seem quite unnatural without such a trip." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38560. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1908-09-16.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (mostly in pencil but also in ink) trials booklet titled '1898 - 1909'. Relevant contents:
§27: #177p VANISH Trial Run mean speed 18.84mph [16.37kn] (1903-05-06)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE09_00060. Folder [no #]. 1898-09 to 1911-04.)
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 ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪

Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #177p Vanish even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Vanish (HMCo-made index card)
• Vanish (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: Vanish
Type: Steam
Length: 48'
Owner: Aspinwall, J. A.

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

• Vanish
• 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: Vanish
Type: 48' steam
Owner: J. A. Aspinwall
Year: 1893
Row No.: 709

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: 1893
E/P/S: P
No.: 177
Name: Vanish
OA: 48'

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.

"Vanish was owned after 1902 by E. D. Morgan as a fast tender for the America's Cup defender #499s Columbia." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 2, 2008.)

"Dimensions from Lloyd's List 1906." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. February 11, 2009.)

"In his letter dated June 3, 1903 (Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 75) E. D. Morgan asks N. G. Herreshoff about the price of a spare wheel (propeller) for Vanish. Vanish's propeller has a diameter of 28 inches. The Herreshoff Marine Museum has in its collection a original, unused, crated propeller that is addressed to E. D. Morgan. The diameter of this propeller should be measured for it is possible that this propeller is the one that E. D. Morgan inquired about in his letter in 1903." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 2, 2017.)

"Steam engine rating 115hp 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. 4 1/2 & 7 & 11 1/4 x 7, 700[rpm], 120[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.)

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