HMCo #184p Porter

"[1896-04-04] Sat 4: 67 plates on torpedo boat [#184p Porter]. ...
[1896-04-11] Sat 11: ... 86 plates on torpedo boat [#184p Porter].
[1896-04-23] Thu 23: Began setting up engine for torpedo boat No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-08-22] Sat 22: ... Tested 1st boiler for torpedo boat # 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-08-26] Wed 26: Put stbd shaft in No 6 [#184p Porter]. ...
[1896-08-27] Thu 27: Put rudder in No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-08-28] Fri 28: Put port shaft in No 6 [#184p Porter]. ...
[1896-09-09] Wed 9: Launched torpedo boat No 6, #185 [sic, i.e. #184p Porter], at 10 a.m. Christened by Agnes.
[1896-09-12] Sat 12: Put middle boiler aboard No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-09-18] Fri 18: ... Finished tubing 2 boilers for No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-09-25] Fri 25: Put 2nd (forward) boiler in No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-10-02] Fri 2: ... Put stbd engine in No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-10-14] Wed 14: Put 3rd boiler aboard No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-10-15] Thu 15: ... 2nd engine put onboard No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-10-24] Sat 24: ... Put port cylinder in No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1896-11-25] Wed 25: Fired up aft boiler in No 6 [#184p Porter]. ...
[1897-01-05] Tue 5: Working evenings at shop to finish new guide rods for [torpedo boat] no 6 [#184p Porter]. [See L. Francis Herreshoff 'Wizard of Bristol' (1953, p. 193-196) for a description of the Dupont guide rod incident.]
[1897-01-13] Wed 13: Started starboard engine of [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter] after putting in new guides.
[1897-01-14] Thu 14: Off in [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter]. Capt. Converse here in [torpedo boat] Cushing [#152p] & took her to Newport.
[1897-01-15] Fri 15: Off in [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter] in a.m. ...
[1897-01-20] Wed 20: Off in [torpedo boat] # 6 [#184p Porter]. Increase ful[?[ runs with 3 boilers.
[1897-01-22] Fri 22: Off in [torpedo boat] # 6 [#184p Porter].
[1897-01-27] Wed 27: Off in [torpedo boat] # 6 [#184p Porter]. ...
[1897-01-29] Fri 29: ... Off in [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1897-01-30] Sat 30: Went to Newport in [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1897-02-01] Mon 1: ... [Torpedo boat] # 6 [#184p Porter] in drydock.
[1897-02-03] Wed 3: Brought [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p] from drydock.
[1897-02-05] Fri 5: Off in [torpedo boat] # 6 [#184p Porter] and made speed of 28.8 k[nots]. ...
[1897-02-06] Sat 6: John in Washington and around for trial of [torpedo boat] # 6 [#184 Porter].
[1897-02-09] Tue 9: Trial board here for [trial of torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter].
[1897-02-10] Wed 10: Official trial of [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184p Porter]. Approx[imate] speed 28.74 k[nots]. ...
[1897-02-12] Fri 12: Capt. Converse here in [torpedo boat] Cushing [#152p]. [Torpedo boat] No. 6 [#184p Porter] accepted by Secr[etary Hilary Abner] Herbert conditionally. ...
[1897-02-18] Thu 18: Delivered Torpedo [boat] #6 [#184 Porter] to Com. Converse at Newport.
[1897-02-24] Wed 24: [Torpedo boat] # 6 [#184p Porter] left Newport for Washington.
[1897-03-05] Fri 5: Beogeal[?] here to arrange for cost of changes in [torpedo boat] No 6 [#184 Porter]. ...
[1897-04-02] Fri 2: [Torpedo boat] Porter (No 6) [#184p] here. ...
[1897-05-17] Mon 17: Capt. Converse here in [torpedo boat] Porter [#184p].
[1897-05-18] Tue 18: ... [Torpedo boat] Porter [#184p] here to have grating put on deck.
[1897-05-25] Tue 25: Capt. Converse here in [torpedo boat] Ericson. [Torpedo boat] Porter [#184p] left for Newport with deck gratings fitted.
[1897-06-26] Sat 26: [Torpedo boat] Porter [#184p] here.
[1897-06-30] Wed 30: [Torpedo boat] Porter [#184p] left." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1896 to 1897. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection.)

"By the fall of 1895 the Spanish War was looming up on the horizon so Captain Nat had to turn to steam again for the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company had accepted contracts to design and build two one hundred seventy-five foot steel torpedo boats. They were alike and one was named 'Dupont' and the other 'Porter.' These vessels were remarkably fast for seagoing torpedo boats of that time and both made speeds of approximately thirty-one miles per hour. The design of vessels of this kind perhaps calls for more work if not more skill than a cup defender, and in this case almost every part of these vessels --- boilers, engines, and all --- had to be designed special so Captain Nat was extremely busy, even too busy to take time off for his usual Saturday and Sunday sails in the summer of 1896, but he certainly turned out some remarkable designs in this time. They were double enders at the water line and below, and certainly were fast, good sea boats. I believe they cost more to build than their contract price but at that time the Navy Department gave a large bonus for each quarter mile that a vessel exceeded her contract speed, and that was what Captain Nat was aiming at in this design. As they exceeded their contract speed quite a lot this speed bonus, besides covering building losses, made the Herreshoff Company a reasonably good profit.
At that time one of the great difficulties the torpedo boats had throughout the world was vibration from what then were considered high-speed engines. The usual torpedo boat engine was quite long, as it had the valves between the cylinders, and, although the whole mass of moving parts could be somewhat counterbalanced, the ends of these engines gyrated considerably around the center of weight; in fact it was on account of the vibration trouble of the reciprocating engine that the turbine got its first start, and that, in turn, before the reduction gear was used, had serious propeller vibration trouble. For the 'Dupont' and 'Porter' Captain Nat designed remarkable engines which were almost completely balanced both statically and dynamically. These engines were four cylinder, triple expansion with two of the cylinders above so that, together with its valves and valve gear at the side, the overall length of these engines was less than half of other engines of their class and horsepower, and as the two end crank throws were opposite each other the pistons and reciprocating parts counterbalanced each other.
The moving parts were extremely light; the crankshaft was hollow at both the main bearings and at the crankpins. These engines weighed 18,750 pounds apiece and developed approximately 1,700 horsepower apiece. But the best thing about the engines was that they ran approximately twenty years in naval service without major repairs." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. The Wizard of Bristol. The Life and Achievements of Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, together with An Account of Some of the Yachts he Designed. New York, 1953, p. 190, 192.)

"The 'Dupont' and 'Porter' saw active service in the Spanish War as they were at the naval battle off Santiago when Admiral Cervera's Spanish fleet was destroyed." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. The Wizard of Bristol. The Life and Achievements of Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, together with An Account of Some of the Yachts he Designed. New York, 1953, p. 193.)

"A dispatch from Washington says: The naval constructors and engineers are greatly surprised and disturbed over an order issued by Secretary Herbert, taking out of their hands entirely the construction of two torpedo boats [#184p Porter and #185p Dupont], the contract for which has been awarded to the Herreshoff company. On the award of the contract, a representative of the Herreshoffs called on the secretary, and urged that expert supervision by departmental representatives be waived in their case. It was represented that this supervision was ordinarily exceedingly troublesome to contractors, and that in the case of reliable firms, such as that of the Herreshoff company, the Cramps, the Union Iron Works, firms of experience and reliability, it was not necessary to keep at the works a constructor and an engineer, whose sole duty was to see that the contract obligations were carried out. It was suggested to the secretary that these inspectors were some times troublesome in their exactions, and oftentimes put the contractors to a great deal of trouble and expense without much consideration.
Secretary Herbert has concluded to allow the Herreshoff people to build the torpedo boats without the usual supervision of an engineer and a constructor. This is the first time, it is said, in the history of the navy, when contract work of this magnitude had been carried out without the rigid inspection of an engineer and a constructor. The department will not be entirely without representation, however, for Secretary Herbert has detailed Commander G. A. Converse, in charge of the Torpedo station at Newport, for this duty." (Source: Anon. "Building The Torpedo Boats. The Herreshoff's Think They Can Do Better Without Naval Inspectors." Bristol Phoenix, October 25, 1895, p. 2.)

"Commander G. A. Converse, who is to superintend the construction of the two new torpedo boats [#184p Porter and #185p Dupont] at the Herreshoff works, visited Bristol Saturday [October 19, 1895] in the Cushing [#152p]. He stated that the contracts for material had just been signed, and that castings and material for the hulls are expected to begin to arrive at the Herreshoffs in about three weeks. The Phoenix Iron Works of Philadelphia and Nashua Iron Works of New Hampshire are the contractors." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, October 25, 1895, p. 2.)

"... The work on the torpedo boat. No. 6 [#184p Porter], for the United States Government is being pushed along, and the sound of the riveter's hammer reminds one of the Defender's [#452s] time. The frames are all in position, and the work of plating has commenced, there being two gangs of riveters at work. The work on the machinery for these boats is being rushed, and will be put in this boat after she is launched, which, it is expected, will be about the middle of July next. As soon as No. 6 is out of the shop No. 7 [#185p Dupont] will be set up and finished in the shop. Large consignments of material, such as plating, tubing, &c, have arrived during the week for these boats. All the frames for Torpedo Boat No. 7 have been bent in the boiler shop." (Source: Anon. "Building Small Yachts. Some Novel Boats Under Construction by the Herreshoffs." New York Times, March 22, 1896, p. 6.)

"A party of eight young men, students in the Institute of Technology at Boston, accompanied by Prof. Peabody of that place, came here Tuesday [May 12, 1896] by invitation to view the marine engines and boilers of the new torpedo boats that are being built at Herreshoff's, as a means of instruction in mechanical engineering.
They were also shown over torpedo boat No-6 [#184p Porter], now nearing completion on the stocks, as well as two of the 30-footers [probably #464s Mai and #469s Wawa which were to be launched one day and three days later, respectively] in the north shop." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, May 15, 1896, p. 2.)

"Torpedo No. 6 is nearly plated at the Herreshoff works, and the work of riveting on the plates is now going on. There are to be 1,720 tubes in the new type of boilers to be put in the now government boats." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, May 5, 1896, p. 2.)

"BRISTOL, R I, May 17 [1896] --- ... In the south shop the new torpedo boat is plated, the workmen being engaged in riveting the deck plates." (Source: Anon. "From Bristol Shops. New York 30-Footers Being Delivered to Their Owners." Boston Globe, May 18, 1896, p. 7.)

"PROVIDENCE, R. I., Sept. 9 [1896]. --- Torpedo Boat No. 6, the first of the pair of twenty-six-knot boats to be built by the Herreshoffs for the United States Government, was successfully launched at 10 o'clock this morning. A bottle of champagne was broken over the bow by Miss Agnes Herreshoff, the daughter of the designer, and the boat was named No. 6.
The craft slid gracefully into the water, to the accompaniment of the cheers of the spectators and the shrieks of the whistles of the Cushing and the Stiletto, which were anchored off the dock. ..." (Source: Anon. "Torpedo Boat Launched. First Of The Herreshoff Pair Christened Yesterday." New York Times, September 10, 1896, p. 5.)

"NEWPORT, R. I., Feb. 10 [1897], --- Torpedo Boat No. 6 to-day proved herself to the naval officers not only to be a remarkable craft, but also probably the most speedy in the world, when continuous running is taken into consideration. The true official figures on the run give her a speed of only 28.72 to 28.78 knots, but it was quite apparent to those on board that the boat was not forced to her limit, and that she might be rated as a thirty-knot boat if in the hands of a trained crew, for at no time was the steam limit of 225 pounds reached, nor did her propeller reach 400 revolutions per minute, while there was every indication that she was equal to much above this.
The weather conditions were perfect for a Winter's day, and the sea was practically smooth, though it was agitated by about a ten-knot breeze from the west-northwest, which remained steady throughout the trial of two hours. The tide, though beginning to run on about the same time that the run started, did not exceed one-half knot. The wonderful craft sped along with great steadiness, creating but a very small wave and well back from the bow, while wide astern it was not more than that of a good-sized schooner, except directly under her stern, where the rapidly revolving screws churned it up. As she passed close to the stakeboats on the course they hardly rocked from the effects of her sea.
Naturally on her first run down she was not put to her best, but she covered the course in 24:52, this being on a slack tide and before the wind. On her return, with opposite conditions, she did even better-24:57 1/4. Then, on the next trip down, it was 23:00 3/4, up in 24:56, and down again in 25:30, making an average of 25:03 minutes to each twelve miles, giving a speed of 28.7403 knots.
Just as she was squaring away for her final dash down the course one of her blowers gave out, and though thus crippled, she made a record for these twelve miles of seven-tenths of a knot in excess of her guaranteed speed. There was but one other drawback to the run, and that was a slight indication of heating of one of the cross-head guides quite early in the run, but it was kept sufficiently cool to complete the trip without any material effect on the speed.
The crew of the Cushing, who expect to be ordered to her in a few days, and naval officers who have witnessed her running, anticipate that she will increase her speed to 30 knots for continuous running at a very early date, as all that they consider necessary now is a trained crew. Her manoeuvring powers also appear to be equal to those of the Cushing, which were supposed to be of the highest order. She is almost complete in her fittings, except for her guns, and, in fact, is ready to go into commission to-morrow." (Source: Anon. "Fastest Torpedo Boat. The Test of No. 6, Off the Harbor of Newport, Showed Great Results. Hopes More Than Realized. A Magnificent Day for the Trial, Which Proved that the New Warship Will Beat the Vessels of the World." New York Times, February 11, 1897, frontpage.)

"WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 [1897]. --- Secretary Herbert this afternoon waived the usual formalities which have hitherto invariably made the acceptance of naval vessels a tedious procedure and accepted Torpedo Boat No. 6, which is now enrolled on the naval lists, although tried only two days ago. This procedure, which usually consumes months, was expedited in this instance by the almost marvelous performance of the little vessel as described by the members of the Trial Board, who have returned to Washington, and who have made a preliminary report on the test.
The Cushing will be taken at once to Norfolk and her crew will be sent back, to Newport to man No. 6, which will then be brought to Washington, in order that she may be seen by the Naval committees of Congress." (Source: Anon. "Torpedo Boat No. 6. Secretary Herbert Waives Formalities and Accepts the New Vessel." New York Times, February 13, 1897, p. 3.)

"... One of the greatest desiderata in a torpedo boat is speed. She must be able to dash into the thick of the fight at a pace which makes her extremely difficult to be hit by the big guns of a battleship, discharge her torpedo, and escape. England has torpedo boats for which a speed of 30 knots an hour is claimed, but it is doubtful whether such a speed is really attained except in extraordinary circumstances. The United States Navy has recently acquired a torpedo boat which is believed to be as fast as any afloat. The original proposal of Congress was for the building of three torpedo boats of about 180 tons burden and 20 knots' speed, but on Aug. 3, 1895, the Herreshoffs of Bristol, already famous as builders of fast yachts, offered to build such a vessel with a speed of not less than 27 1/2 knots an hour for $150,000.
On Sept. 27. 1895, they were awarded a contract to build two at $144,000 each. One of these, known formerly as No. 6, but recently christened Porter, after the famous Admiral, was launched on Sept. 9, 1896, and had an unofficial trial trip on Jan. 20 of the present year. With an untrained crew in the fireroom, under N. G. Herreshoff's direction, she made 26.85 knots an hour with 180 pounds of steam. On Feb. 5 she made a record of 28.76 knots an hour in eight runs over the measured mile. Her official trial trip took place on Feb. 10, when she made 28.78 knots, and the next day she was accepted by the Secretary of the Navy. The crew of the Cushing was put aboard of her soon afterward, and she was mustered into the service. She was one of the vessels present at the recent naval review in honor of the dedication of the Grant Monument, and her lean, bottle-green hull, with its two smokestacks forward and one aft, attracted much attention. Some naval officers are of the opinion that when her machinery is running more smoothly she will make very nearly 30 knots an hour, which is equal to 33 statute miles --- a good railroad speed." (Source: Anon. (W. J. H.) "The Torpedo Boat Porter." New York Times, May 16, 1897, p. IMS2.)

"... Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, acting secretary of the navy, has written a letter to Commander George A. Converse, congratulating him on the excellent results attained by the torpedo boat Porter, of which he was the inspector-in-charge for the navy department, as well as for the perfection of the torpedo boat's construction. The letter congratulates the contractors, the Messrs. Herreshoff, and Lieutenant S. S. Wood, U. S. N., the assistant inspector at the Herreshoff works." (Source: Anon. "With the Torpedo Boats." Bristol Phoenix, June 25, 1897, p. 1.)

"William Mussel, a steel worker from the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, left Saturday night for Mobile, Alabama, with tools and materials to repair the damage to the stern post and rudder of the torpedo boat Porter." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, May 31, 1898, p. 2.)

"TB-6 Porter I
(TB-6: dp. 165; l. 175'6"; b. 17'9"; dr. 4'8"; s. 29 k.; cpl. 32; a. 4 1-pdr.; 3 18" tt.; CL Porter)
The first Porter (TB-6) was laid down in February 1896 by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., Bristol, R.I.: launched 9 September 1896, sponsored by Miss Agnes M. Herreshoff, and commissioned 20 February 1897 at Newport, R.I., Lt. John Charles Fremont in command.
Porter sailed to Washington, D.C. 27 February 1897 for inspection and was further examined 16-20 March at New York by the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. She operated between New London and Newport; then visited New York from 15 July to 3 October before getting underway for her winter port, Charleston, S.C. Porter cruised in southern waters until 8 December and then proceeded to Key West where she was stationed 1-22 January 1898.
Porter arrived 26 January at Mobile for a visit but was ordered to return to Key West 6 March because of the tense situation in Cuba. When the United States declared war upon Spain she was already patrolling the waters off Key West and the Dry Tortugas. Porter returned to Key West 22 March for replenishment.
Porter departed Key West 22 April with the North Atlantic Fleet for the blockade of the north coast of Cuba. She soon made contact with the enemy, capturing two Spanish schooners, Sofia and Matilda, 23-24 April After refueling at Key West 2-7 May, Porter resumed blockade duty off Cape Haitian, Haiti keeping a watchful eye out for Cervera's squadron. She participated in the three-hour bombardment of San Juan 12-13 May with the 9 ships of Rear Admiral W. T. Sampson's fleet. During the attack Porter maintained a close position under the batteries with Detroit but was not hit.
Porter returned 13-14 May to the blockade of the north coast of Hispaniola, cruising off Samana Bay, Santo Domingo and off Porto Plata, Haiti. After a brief interval at Key West and Mobile (18-25 May), she joined Commodore Schley's squadron (1-11 June) off Santiago de Cuba where it had bottled up the elusive Spanish warships. Porter came under heavy fire 7 June while silencing the shore batteries but was undamaged. Later she supported (11-17 June) the Marine beachhead at Guantanamo Bay. Porter took up her station off Santiago 17 June and again 21-22 June when she bombarded the Socapa battery during the landings at Daiquiri. She continued patrolling off Guantanamo until 9 July when she left for New York via Key West.
Upon her arrival at the New York Navy Yard 19 July, Porter was placed in reduced commission and decommissioned 5 November 1898. She recommissioned 10 October 1899 at New York and served as a training ship for firemen at Newport, Norfolk and Annapolis. Porter decommissioned 21 December 1900 at New York. She was put in reserve commission in late 1901 at Norfolk with the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla and continued this duty through 1907.
Porter recommissioned 31 January 1908 at Norfolk, and was ordered to Pensacola 21 February. As flagship of the 3rd Torpedo Flotilla, she engaged in torpedo runs in St. Joseph's Bay, Fla. (4 March 22 April). Porter acted as naval escort to the remains of Governor De Witt Clinton in New York harbor 29 May 1908 before returning 1 July to the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla at Norfolk.
Porter recommissioned 14 May 1909 at Charleston, S.C., Lt. Harold R. Stark in command, and was assigned to the 3rd Division, Atlantic Torpedo Flotilla. She proceeded to Provincetown, Mass. 10 June for fleet exercises that lasted until 5 August. Porter departed 28 August for Hampton Roads and the Southern Drill Grounds, later joining the fleet at New York for the Hudson-Fulton Celebration 1-10 October. She was reassigned 14 November to the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla at Charleston where she remained until October 1911.
Porter sailed 30 October 1911 for New York where she took part in the fleet naval review 2 November for President Theodore Roosevelt. The President had ordered the mobilization "to test the preparedness of the fleet and the efficiency of our organization on the ships in the yards." Afterwards Porter returned to the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla at Philadelphia. She was mobilized in October 1912 for another review at New York which was inspected by the President 15 October.
Porter was struck from the Navy List 6 November 1912 and was sold to Andrew Olsen 30 December 1912 at New York." (Source: http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/tb6.htm, retrieved March 24, 2007.)

"Name: USS Porter (TB-6)
Namesake: David and David Dixon Porter
Ordered: 2 March 1895
Builder: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., Bristol, Rhode Island
Laid down: February 1896
Launched: 9 September 1896
Commissioned: 20 February 1897
Decommissioned: 1912
Struck: 6 November 1912
Fate: Sold, 30 December 1912
General characteristics
Class and type: Porter-class torpedo boat
Displacement: 165 long tons (168 t)
Length: 175 ft 6 in (53.49 m)
Beam: 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m)
Draft: 4 ft 8 in (1.42 m)
Propulsion: 3 Normand boilers
2-shaft vertical quadruple " (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Porter_(TB-6), December 21, 2011.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Blueprint general arrangement plan with outboard profile, inboard profile and planview. Untitled, no notes, undated, but clearly showing #184p PORTER or #185p DUPONT." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0001. WRDT08, Folder 1, formerly MRDE08. No date (1895 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Blueprint general arrangement plan with outboard profile, inboard profile and planview titled 'Torpedo Boat PORTER [#184p (as well as #185p DUPONT.)]. No further notes." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0002. WRDT08, Folder 1, formerly MRDE08. No date (1895 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Blueprint sections (15) titled 'Torpedo Boat PORTER [#184p (as well as #185p DUPONT.)]. No further notes." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0003. WRDT08, Folder 1, formerly MRDE08. No date (1895 ?).)
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"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] The Secretary has this morning awarded the contract for building two (2) of the torpedo boats [#184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT] to your firm, substantially in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted, the only modifications being some which Mr. J.B. [JBH] readily agreed to.
A very unusual departure from ordinary custom prevailing in awarding contracts has been made in the present case. As the designs, plans, etc. are prepared by you, many of the restrictions imposed, contemplated by the original proposals have been removed and these boats will be constructed under circumstances similar to those which existed when the CUSHING [#152p] was built.
I am detailed as the Inspector and will probably have an assistant, as was the case of the CUSHING.
In awarding the contract, the Secretary has based his reasons for so doing solely on the remarkably good record made by the CUSHING and the belief that other boats made by by your firm, if unhampered, would be equally successful. I sincerely trust that you will join in doing all in your power to accomplish the results desired, feeling sure that there is an opportunity now for you to make a reputation in steamers equal to that you have made in the 'Cup Defender' [#452s]. Secretary has awarded contract for 2 torpedo boats [#184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT]; restrictions to the builder have been removed based on good experiences with #152p CUSHING; Converse will be inspector" (Source: Converse, George Albert (USN inspector) . Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_03140. Correspondence, Folder 1_14, formerly 230. 1895-09-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled 'Nov[ember] 4 [18]95. Torpedo boats #184 [PORTER] & 185 [#185p DUPONT]. Final. Spaces of 17.55ft each. Scale 3/8in'. With calculations arriving at a total displacement of 5705cuft = 366800lbs = 163.7 tons gross and area w.l. 187.5[sqft]. Also note 'Feb[ruary] 15, 1897. At official trial draft before starting ...'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_06290. Folder [no #]. 1895-11-04.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sketch titled 'Sketch for Ball bearing thrust for 16 - 22 1/2 & 2 - 25in x 16 engine'. No further notes, undated. (This engine was used in 1897 for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT. Compare with HMCo Plan HH.5.08544 (105-006) 'Thrust bearing for engines 16in x 22 1/2in x 25in x 25in x 16in' from November 19, 1895)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE11_01240. Folder [no #]. No date (1895-11-19 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled (in NGH's writing) cost estimates for torpedo boats (though not explicitly mentioned as such). Four groups of calculations, each multiplying what appears to be per ton cost of hull & fittings, machinery and equipment and adding these together to arrive at a final cost estimate. The first group is titled 'No 6-7 [#184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT' and shows a total cost of $158000 = $995 per ton displacement, the second group is titled '9 - 10 - 11. 30kn [#189601ep Unbuilt 30 knot torpedo boats which, built elsewhere, will become USN Torpedo Boats Nos. 9, 10 and 11] and shows a total cost of $205700 = $1010 per ton, the third group is titled '22 1/2k [22 1/2 knot torpedo boats (apparently #190p MORRIS)] and shows a total cost of $87500 = $975 per ton, and the fourth group is titled '20k [20 knot torpedo boats (apparently #191p TALBOT and 192p GWIN)] and shows a total cost of $38300 = $980 per ton." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Cost Estimate. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_04220. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1896).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled technical drawing of a steam boiler. Untitled, with notes and calculations to determine grate surface area, undated (Compare with 'Preliminary sketch for #184, 185 [#184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT]' which was filed with this drawing and appears to show the same boiler and is believed to be from January 1896)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Technical Drawing. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE11_02130. Folder [no #]. No date (1896-01 ??).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled technical drawing of a steam boiler. Titled 'Preliminary sketch for #184, 185 [#184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT]. Not used. With notes and calculations to determine heating surface area. Undated (Plans at M.I.T. for PORTER and DUPONT's boilers are dated January 1896 and later). Compare with MRDE11_02130 which was filed with this drawing and appears to show the same boiler." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Technical Drawing. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE11_02140. Folder [no #]. No date (1896-01 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.08541 (105-003). Partial blueprint technical drawing of a triple expansion steam engine. Untitled (original plan in Hart Nautical Colections is titled 'Triple Expansion Engine. 16in x 22 1/2in x 25in x 25in x 16in stroke. Herreshoff Mfg. Co. ... Jan[uar]y 1896). No notes (this engine was used for #184p Porter and #185p Dupont)." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0064. WRDT08, Folder 7, formerly MRDE11. No date (1896-01).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary plan with inboard profile, plan view and sections titled 'Preliminary. Feb 28, [18]96' and showing what is apparently a preliminary version of #190p Talbot and #191p GWIN with vertical smoke stacks." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_06820. Folder [no #]. 1896-02-28.)
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"[Item Description:] Two sets of penciled pantograph hull sections of two different designs titled in right margin 'July 4th 1896. Figures for Capt. Converse for one 18ft 6in boat [and] one 14[ft] 3[in] boat for torpedo boats 6 & 7 [#189601es Cutter for #184p Porter, #189602es Cutter for #185p Dupont, #189603es Boat for #184p Porter, #189604es Boat for #185p Dupont]'. One set is marked 'Sections of cutter [from Model 701] designed for Nos 435 - 437 [#189301es Cutter for #435s Colonia and #189303es Cutter for #437s Vigilant]. Scale 1in' with calculations arriving at a displacement of 49.5cuft = 3180lbs and 'Disp[lacement] as per model 3180lbs. Est[imated] disp. of keel & deadwood 153[lbs]. [Sum] 3333[lbs]' and 'Estimates w[ei]ght of boat, oars & fittings 500lbs. Estimated weight of 17 persons 2833lbs. [Sum] 333[lbs]'. The other set is marked 'Sections of Rowboat, Regulation size [probably from Model 121]. Scale 1in' and calculations arriving at a displacement of 26.44cuft = 1700lbs and 'Estimated w[ei]ght of boats with oars & fittings 275lbs. Estimated w[ei]ght of 9 persons 1500lbs. [Sum] 1775[lbs]' and 'Disp[lacement] as per model 1700[lbs]. Disp[lacement] of Keel deadwood 75[lbs]. [Sum] 1775[lbs]'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_05990. Folder [no #]. 1896-07-04.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Port Engine. Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER]. 1896' showing data for December 28. Also data for starboard engine." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03620. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1896-12-28.)
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"[Item Description:] Newspaper clippings re. #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT." (Source: Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.42. Newspaper Clippings. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Box 1), Folder [no #]. No date (1897 and later).)

"[Item Description:] Penciled table titled 'Steering engines' and showing data for 'CUSHING's [#152p] 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 cyls', 'same eng[ine] geared for # 6 & 7 [#184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT]', and 'Design using 3 1/2 x 5 cyls'. On verso a plan view sketch of a torpedo boat marked '175.5 = 117 framespaces' [PORTER and DUPONT were 175.5ft long] and calculations, apparently to determine various weights." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01040. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1897 or later ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sketch, untitled, showing steam engine cylinders marked 16, 22 1/2, 25, and 25 as well as crankhafts. With calculations. On verso more crankshaft and other sketches. Undated, 16in & 22 1/2in & 2x25in x 16in steam engine was used only for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT in 1897." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01060. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1897 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled calculations, untitled, apparently to determine the weight of a steam boiler and arriving at a total weight of 12.35tons. On verso a steam engine indicator diagram titled '16 - 22 1/2 & (2) 25 x 16 stroke, 400 rev[olutions]'. Undated, this type of steam engine was used only for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT in 1897." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01080. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1897 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled calculations to determine horsepower developed by a steam engine beginning with '16 - 22 1/2 - (25 25) x 16. 300 rev. 160lbs boiler pressure. (140lbs in st[eam] chest)' showing 870hp at 300 revolutions and 725hp at 250 revolutions. 16in & 22 1/2in & 2x25in x 16in steam engines were used in only two HMCo-built vessels: #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01940. Folder [no #]. No date (1897 ???).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled note beginning with 'Range poles to be set at northerly side of Landy[?] Pt. L[igh]t on bearing NW 7/8 W' describing a trial course in Narragansett Bay for measuring speeds between 20kn and 27 1/2, i.e. for torpedo boats, possibly #184p PORTER and/or #185p DUPONT." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trial Course Note. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_02990. Folder [no #]. No date (1897 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled note:] 'The fire proofed wood absorbs water from the atmosphere to a remarkable degree. Its capacity to take up water seems to be greater than the same wood untreated.
The affinity for [it] is so great that a piece exposed to night air would become thoroughly covered with water and a small stream running from it.
Pieces of steel placed in contact with fire proofed wood corroded very much more than similar pieces in contact with untreated wood. [Found with trial run notes for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT from 1897, suggesting it may possibly be related to one of these torpedo boats.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Note. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03680. Folder [no #]. No date (1897 ???).)
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"[Item Description:] Printed table showing seconds on y-axis and minutes on X-axis and speeds in the table. For use as a lookup table to quickly determine speeds during trial runs on a measured mile. Found with trial run notes for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT from 1897, suggesting it was used when trialling one of these torpedo boats." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03790. Printed Table. Folder [no #]. No date (1897 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled trial run note on a torn-out notebook page noting times and points passed and calculating speeds (26.47[kn?], 26.72[kn?], 27[kn?], 26.37[kn?]) and concluding with 'Measured mile 2-12 = [kn?]'. Undated, vessel not identified. Found with other trial run notes for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT from 1897, suggesting it also involves one of these torpedo boats." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trial Run Note. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03880. Folder [no #]. No date (1897 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) and penciled calculations on a torn-out notebook page noting what appear to be speeds (28.52, 27.62, 28.91, 27.70, 28.70, 29.19[kn?] etc). Found with other trial run notes for #184p PORTER and #185p DUPONT from 1897, suggesting it also involve a trial run of one of these torpedo boats." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03890. Folder [no #]. No date (1897 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note, untitled, but dated '1897, Jan 20' showing pressures temperatures, and revolutions by time. With separate table titled 'Trials of Destiller. Jan 12 [18]97'. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on Januuary 20, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03630. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-01-20.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note, untitled, but dated 'Jan 22' showing data for starboard (one time) and port engine (six times) and noting for starboard engine 'Piston rod for aft Cylinder heated, the stuffing box was repacked, heated short after again the heat supposed to start in the bushing in intermediate Cover?[sic] the Revolution when this occurred were about 360 & 370. Canvas packing used for the piston rods' and 'Awning[?] the same as o nJan 20, [18]97' and 'The pressure in the open heater exceeded not 16lbs the hottest place on the heater is on the side where the exhaust enters the feed water temerature is not much over 160deg that, you just can take hold of the feed pipe. The difference in temperature of feed-water before and after it has passed the first heater is about 40 deg ? (by judgment)'. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on Januuary 22, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03840. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-01-20.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note, untitled, but dated 'Jan 27' showing data for starboard (six times) and port engine (four times) and noting 'Trim 3ft 1 1/2in. 6ft 7in. The ice took the letters away forward about the same after trial'. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on Januuary 27, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03850. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-01-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note, untitled, but dated 'Jan 29' showing data for starboard (seven times) and port engine (eight times) and noting 'Trims as usual. Intermediate crossheat at aft engine heated, short after the guide the engine was stoppedl'. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on Januuary 29, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03860. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-01-29.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled indicator diagram titled 'Estimate of power developed on Jan 22 [1897] when running with 190lbs steam and 370rev'. With calculations arriving at a figure of 1462HP. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on Januuary 22, 1897." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Sketch and Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03870. Folder [no #]. 1897-01-29.)
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"[Item Description:] Printed trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat No 6' [#184p PORTER]. Speed Trials - Government Course, Narragansett Bay, 5th February, 1897' and providing speed data for 8 runs concluding with 'Average Speed Two Best Consecutive Runs (6 and 7) 29.16 Knots'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03670. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-02-05.)
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"[Item Description:] Printed trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat No 6' [#184p PORTER]. Speed Trials - Government Course, Narragansett Bay, 5th February, 1897' and providing speed data for 8 runs concluding with 'Average Speed Two Best Consecutive Runs (6 and 7) 29.16 Knots'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03690. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-02-05.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note, untitled, but dated '1897 Febr[uary] 5th' showing data for starboard (two times) and port engine (two times) and noting 'Boiler pressure 210 a 225lbs per sqin. These revolutions are from St. Engine only'. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on February 5, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03920. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-02-05.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'No 6 [#184p PORTER]. Timing over measured miles during a preliminary run of one hour & twenty minutes in Narragansett Bay February 8th 1897' showing speeds (28.52, 27.62, 28.91, 27.70, 28.70, 29.13[kn?], etc) for several runs up and down." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03910. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-02-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled trial run note titled only 'No 6' [#184p PORTER] and providing summary data for PORTER's trial runs on January 20, 1897 (mean speed 25.41kn), January 27, 1897 (mean speed 25.27kn), January 29, 1897 (mean speed 26.91kn), February 5, 1897 and February 10, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03640. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-02-10.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note on pre-printed form titled Official Trial. Febr[uary] 10 1897' showing data for starboard (six times) and port engine (eight times) and noting 'Trial over 12 miles course' and 'St[arboar] intermediate guide a little hot, used water' and concluding with 'Speed 28.74 knots'. The vessel is not identified but NGH's diary shows Torpedo Boat No 6 [#184p PORTER] to have been trialled on February 10, 1897." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03930. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-02-10.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was very glad to get your letter today after an absence from home. I have been keenly interested in the newspaper reports of the trials & am delighted that you got so much[?] speed, I re[ceive]d[?] fr[om] [photographer Frank H.] Childs today two photos of # 6 [#184p PORTER] under way, she seems to be making the greater[?] weer[?] at the lesser[?] speed. It seems from a distance to have[?] been[?] a great success to have added another feather to the already many in y[ou]r cap. I imagine though[?] you have had a lot of worries & much anxiety to say nothing of the February ozone[?] when you have hathered[?] into your eyslum[?]. Boston has done herself proud & certainly has surprised me, but common sense has brought them to see things as they are rather than as they would prefer to have them.
I should not be surprised if Charlie Adams sailing in those 30ft races last had not a good effect. We have had a very quiet winter her with, for Long Island, a lot of sleighing. I have been obliged to be in town a great deal on business & I long for Spring & Summer. Ive done nothing about a boat for next summer & am still as undefined in my plans. But I hope something will turn up to define them before long.
Mrs Morgan & the children have kept well & all wish to be kindly remembered to your family. I may have to run up to Newport latter part of next month & if I do I will try to make a flying visit to Bristol. I am quite interested to see the ketch [#481s SPALPEEN], I could not understand until y[ou]r letter why you changed trial course into shoaler water. I suppose you want it moderately shallow or very dup[?] the Yacht Racing Union of the Sound at first legislated the 30's [Newport 30] out but have since agreed to have them on [Ralph] Ellis's appearing before them ---
With kindest regards ... [Part of group of letters in envelope marked 'Letters from E.D. Morgan'.]" (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37480. Correspondence, Folder 73, formerly 77. 1897-02-15.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I want to congratulate you on the wonderful success of your new torpedo boat [#184p]. I expect when you get the contract to build some big ones, that you will beat the English ones all hollow, as you have done in the past.
Won't you please give me your opinion on a practical question of metals? I am interested in this Air business, and we carry Air at a pressure of 2500 lbs. in cylinders made of soft steel in Germany. Now, what I want to get at is some cylinder that can be made in this country, of any metal whatever, that will be absolutely safe to carry the Air at this pressure, or even at a higher one. The cylinders which we now have are quite heavy, but they are strong enough to stand a pressure of 6000 lbs. It seems to me that you could tell me about some metal that would in your opinion answer this purpose even better than soft steel.
With kind regards to your wife and children, and hopes that I shall see more of you this summer, ..." (Source: Willard, Edward Augustus. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_22470. Correspondence, Folder 66. 1897-02-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [On 'S. Cabot. Chemist. Mason Building, 70 Kilby Street, Boston, Mass.' stationery:] I want to add an old friends' hearty congratulations to the others on your latest success. I mean 'No. 6' [#184p PORTER which a few days before had had her successful trial run]. I hasten to do this because if I do not, your 'latest success' may be something later than 'No 6'. It was very pleasant getting even the short glimpse I did, of you and your family.
For an old friends sake do not overwork, which in the end is a poor economy. [No year, but clearly from 1897 given that PORTER was trialled that year.]" (Source: Cabot IV, Samuel. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_13300. Correspondence, Folder 37, formerly 197. No year (1897)-02-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Many thanks for your kind letter of the 17th instant and copy of specifications for thirty knot Torpedo Boats and the blue print of the CUSHING's [#152p] speed curve, which were duly received.
There is no reason why as much time as may be necessary for the purpose, should not be given to the progressive trials of Torpedo Boat 'No 6' [#184p PORTER] and I shall endeavor to carry out thoroughly the programme which you suggest. I trust you may find it convenient to be present on board during these trials. If you can spare the time, the boat can call for you at Bristol and devote as many hours or days to making the series of trials as you may desire.
Since my visit to Bristol, I have been reflecting a great deal upon the subject of the grating, and while I was at first disposed to favor the placing of the grating directly in contact with the deck, it has recently occurred to me that this plan was open to the most serious objection; --- the ashes and cinders from the smoke-stack will accumulate in the pockets formed by the grating, and cannot be thoroughly removed without taking the grating up, which would, therefore, necessarily have to be done after every steaming. Moreover, if these ashes remain and get wet with salt water, as they are likely to do, they will be sure to cause rust and corrosion of the plates. It, therefore, seems to me that it would be most desirable to provide a grating which shall be well clear of the deck, at least for the spaces between the deck beams; i.e. that the bearings of the grating on deck should not be nearer together than these beams. It also seems to me that the proposed midship batten for securing the inner edges of the grating, would be equally objectionable on account of not allowing water or cinders to pass through from side to side with the roll of the vessel. These objections are somewhat emphasised by the fact that the deck is so nearly flat, particularly aft.
Please think this matter over and let me know what conclusions you arrive at.
'No. 6' [#184p PORTER] has not yet reached this Station, and if she comes this week will have to return at once to New London to participate in the trials of Gunboats Nos. 8 and 9. The LEYDEN and the STILETTO [#118p] have already left for that port and so I am without any conveyance until they return; hence shall find it impossible to go to Bristol for several days." (Source: Converse, George Albert. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34360. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-03-19.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of 23rd rec[eive]d. It will be quite an interesting experiment in the matter of fins & I am very keen to see what will happen in the first race. I am sure I won't[?] have as good a boat for general utility[?], but I got her to race, I cannot go against your judgement in the mater so will have the deck covered with canvas & painted a putty color, as to the use of the work I will let you know a little later --- I was in Newport for 5 hrs a short time since & spent some of it looking at, I think, the COCKATOO [#483s] w[hic]h was tied to the NYYC dock. I thought she was very nice indeed. On account of Mr. Moran's illness and death our plans have been indefinite all winter so I have done nothing about any won[?] of a boat there[?] the PUCK [#465s] & I am not at all sure I shall, notwithstanding my longing[?] for almost any kind of a salt water spree. We have had a most beautiful season so far despite its lateness the country new[?] to me, looked so fine & with generally good health as am Enjoying it very much. We will probably go to Newport later part of June & I am looking forward most of all to some of our chats & a walk thru' the shop & the model room. Mr. Iselin thinks some of taking out the DEFENDER [#452s] but had not, a few days since, definitely decided. I am sending you a circular w[hic]h you have probably seen, but I should think[?] it would pay you to get the right to use these boilers (oil fuel) in some of y[ou]r launches or larger boats. I have seen several & they seem drier[?] boats with inferior models quite fast.
No 6 [#184p PORTER] seems to have been very successful & generally admired. I hope I may get [a] ride or a sail or a steamer on the Sislu[?] boat. I am most anxious to hear result of trials of some of the new torpedo boats or rival builders. I believe they will be interesting, in a way. When I have a little time I can waste it always for myself the pleasure of dreaming about the 145ft WL schooner w[hich] would be so unpracticable[?] but delightful. Mrs Morgan joins me in kindest remembrances to all the family, ... [Part of group of letters in envelope marked 'Letters from E.D. Morgan' which is included with this item.]" (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37500. Correspondence, Folder 73, formerly 77. 1897-05-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] can you tell me when the trial of the DUPONT [#185p], which you said would take place in July, will occur? I am very anxious for more than one reason to be at that trial; and I am now settling for my tour among the State militia on the Lakes, which will have to be in July. I am therefore very anxious to know the exact date as soon as possible, as otherwise it may be difficult for me to accommodate my movements to it. How soon do you think you can tell me?
I congratulate you on the PORTER [#184p]. There are two or three points in connection with an alleged change made after she left your hands, concerning which I may wish to consult you later." (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34070. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-06-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Newspaper clipping from an unidentified newspaper:] 'Trials of Two United States Torpedo Boats
The following report of trials of two of the new torpedo boats was recently received from the bureau of steam engineering, navy department.
Name of Vessel. PORTER [#184p]. FOOTE.
Date of trial. Feb. 10, 1897. June 25, 1897.
... Speed per hour, in knots. 28.63. 24.53. ...'" (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03040. Newspaper Clipping. Folder [no #]. No date (after 1897-06-25).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Very many thanks for your note & your promptness in forwarding the sponges. The[?] came for spirits and the[?] took for packing the tubes. We tested the condenser yesterday to 25 lbs and will orgin[?] putting it together Monday morning. There are 7[?] tubes split which we[?] in[?] place & pergged[?]. We are going to try very hard to get everything back tomorrow. Have[?] a short dock trial [with #185p DUPONT] Tuesday morning & run for the hour [trial?] in the afternoon. I intend to take her on the course in the East Passage and if you care to make the trip would be glad if you would join us.
The PORTER [#184p] & FOOTE[?] are now here. The former made rate of 31 knots per hour for 38 minutes of time, in New York out near Sandy Hook. The FOOTE came from Norfolk back[?] 30 hours about. Were[?] going 12 knots.
Hoping to see you on Tuesday... [PS] The brake[?] which was sent down for working[?] salt water pump by hand does not fit." (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34280. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-09-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled tabulated data showing various steam engine types, revolutions, steam pressure and resulting horsepower. The first five engines listed are double expansion steam engines of dimensions never built by HMCo. The second-to-last-listed engine (12 1/2in & 18in & 25in x 13 1/2in) is of the type used for several stationery engines to generate electricity (including the ones at the Nichols Chemical Company in Maspeth, NY, one of which has survived at the New England Steam and Wireless Museum) and first built in 1898. It is listed as developing 355hp (and usually listed as having developed 400hp). The last engine listed (16in & 22 1/2in & 2x25in x 16in) is the triple expansion, 4 cylinder engine used for #184p Porter and #185p Dupont, first built in 1897." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE05_02040. Folder [no #]. No date (1898 or later).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink and pencil) trials booklet 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Experiments & Trial Trips. 1890. N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§37: #184p PORTER Preliminary Trial Run (1896-12-26)
§38: #184p PORTER Preliminary Trial Run estimated power 2924hp (1897-01-20 & 1897-01-27)
§39: #184p PORTER Preliminary Trial Run (1897-01-29 & 1897-01-30)
§40: #184p PORTER Official Trial Run (1897-02-05 & 1897-02-10)
§41: #184p PORTER Delivery Return in #118p STILETTO (1897-02-18)." (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
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"[Item Description:] Photograph. [Backside of Trophy Cup shown in HH.6.208:] ANEMONE [#4p] 1870, LIGHTNING [#20p] 1876, STILLETO [#118p] 1885, HENRIETTA [#133p] 1886, NOW THEN [#142p] 1887, BALLYMENA [#151p] 1888, CUSHING [#152p] 1890, VAMOOSE [#168p] 1891, PORTER [#184p] 1896, MORRIS 1897 [#190p]." (Source: Anderström (creator). Photograph. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.209. Box HAFH.6.7B, Folder Photograph. No date (1899 ?).)
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"N/A"

"[Item Description:] I thank you very much for your last letter and the valuable information which it contained. I think the destroyer which you suggest would be the best that could be produced for the service required. Our Board has about finished its labors and I trust that as a result we shall soon have in service some destroyers and torpedo boats as good or better than the PORTER [#184p] and MORRIS [#190p] although it would be hard to get better ones." (Source: Winslow, C. McR. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33370. Subject Files, Folder 38, formerly 28-30. 1904-01-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Your letter of December 19th came this morning. I thank you very much for your prompt attention to my request in reference to torpedo vessels.
I believe with you that the MORRIS [#190p] hull carried up to the size of the PORTER [#184p] with the PORTER's arrangement of engines and boilers, except that there should be two boilers instead of three, would be about the type of boat which we desire. In reference to the engines of the PORTER would it not be possible to change their design so that the cylinders could be overhauled with greater facility?
In reference to the boat proposed could you give me a rough approximation of her speed, displacement and distance which she would steam on her load of coal? Would not the removal of one boiler add to this steaming distance by giving space for more coal as well as enable to use up a little of the weight saved by decreasing the number of boilers in adding increased strength to the hull, if such increase is desirable?
Again, what do you think of carrying that same type of boat to still greater dimensions, perhaps with some slight modification, to obtain a destroyer, the increase in size giving more seaworthy qualities, without perhaps a loss in speed. If you think well of this idea what would you suggest as the approximate dimensions and characteristics of this vessel as regards length, displacement, draft of water steaming distance and speed; also what modifications in model, such as increased height of bow would desirable?
I think the Board will have no difficulty as regards torpedo boats and vidette boats to be carried on the battleships, but the question of a destroyer is a difficult one, and your views would be of the greatest value to the Board. Please understand however, that we do not expect data of absolute accuracy, that we are only dealing with the subject in a general way and that whatever you write will be considered; as purely personal and private, to be used only as an assistance in the solution of a somewhat difficult problem.
I am quite sure that the Board is of the opinion that whoever is to build torpedo boats and destroyers in the future for our Navy should be allowed the utmost latitude as regards design and construction in fact it would be an advantage to the Government to utilize the genius and originality of the contractor rather than to tie him down to designs and plans furnished by the Department.
I thank you very much for your kind invitation to spend a night at Bristol. I would enjoy such a visit very much, but I am so tied down now in the work of the office that it is difficult for me to get away to make more than a few hours' visit anywhere.
I shall be extremely obliged if you can send me information which I have requested in this letter as well as any other information which in your opinion would be of value to us.
Again thanking you for your letter, believe me, ... Incl NGH reply: I received your of 22nd Saturday. The mails seem to be rather slow between Washington - Bristol
I have since getting your letter given the destroyer & torpedo boat considerable thought and made some calculations, based on what we have reached in our trials with torpedo boats and also from our own model experiments and have arrived at the following, which I consider not accurate, but approximating fairly well what should be expected from the types under discussion, if details are perfectly carried out.
Starting with an enlarged MORRIS, to size of PORTER, with the latter's machinery but fitted with two boilers of larger size, or collectively[?] about 4/5th as large as PORTER's. The vessel to be about 180' on deck, 172 w.l., 17ft 2in beam with displacement of about 165 tons, in a trial condition corresponding to Porter's. Bimhun[?] capacity would be about 70 tons.
Under these conditions I would expect a 'measured mile' speed of 28.5 knots with about 3650 hp.
With full bumtus[?] for the 600 mile preliminary run at sea at 12 K, I would expect the engines to develop about 310 hp and with a consumption of coal for the full run for all newno[?] of about 23 1/2 tons.
In the 8 hour run at lead, loaded to about 190 tons disp. I would expect her to make nearly 25 1/2 knots for 1 hour duration, developing about 3600 hp, and for the balance of two ab[out] 20 knots speed, and would develop about 2120 hp and would burn in the run a little over 21 tons coal.
The steaming[?] distance in bunker capacity at 12 k rate would be about 1800 miles.
In making these calculations I have assumed the speed at sea to be in ordinary fair weather, and the calculations are for speed in smooth water at full[?] 15[?] 1 1/3 miles greater than the sea speeds[?] stated.
As you suggested, I have made calculations for a destroyer to be similar to the torpedo boat described about, but enlarged 50 percent in all linear dimensions. Which I think is none too large to be able to cover the distance of 3000 miles at 15 k rate.
The vessel would be about 271' on deck, 159' w.l., 25ft 3in beam. Bunker capacity 230 tons. Displacement at light trial draft 570. Displacement full bunkers 800 tons. At 15 knots at sea would require about 1285 hp, consuming about 3200 lbs per hour, or 320 tons for a run of 3000 miles at 15 k rate. This is 90 tons more than bunkers of normal size." (Source: Winslow, Capt. C. McR. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33400. Subject Files, Folder 38, formerly 28-30. 1904-12-22.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH. Relevant contents:
§3: Work Order 'Galv. steel wire netting … for protectors … in torpedo boats nos 6 and 7 [#184p and #185p]' (1897-01-07)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Order Book. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_01320. Folder [no #]. 1897-01 to 1905.)
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

"[Item Description:] Penciled logbook notes documenting 5 outings on 'Monday 25' ('Foghorn bell' and home), 'Saturday 30' (to Newport[?] to 'follow races' and home), Sunday 31' (to Jamestown and home, Monday 1st' (to Watchhill and anchor inside breakwater) and on Tuesday[?] passing Cornfield, Middle Ground, Eatons Neck, Matinicock Pt. to 'Duncans'. Comparing these partial dates and events with NGH's diary shows these voyages to have taken place from Monday August 25, 1913 to Tuesday, September 2nd, 1913 on #288p HELIANTHUS I. On verso a penciled sketch showing profile of a large motor yacht, possibly a prelimary design for #377p ARA (but note that ARA is believed to have not been designed by NGH). With notes 'Length o.a. 160ft. w.l. 153ft. Beam 22 1/2[ft] …'. Calculations show a total displacement of 4320cuft. Also a midship section, apparently for this boat. With notes adjacent to this section 'PORTER' and weight calculations. (Possibly NGH was using #184p PORTER as a baseline for the design of the large motor yacht.). The sketch is undated and if it really shows ARA which was contracted for in 1920 somewhat difficult to reconcile with the dates of the events on recto." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_00570. Folder [no #]. No date (probably 1913-0-25 and later).)
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"[Item Description:] Strip of printed numbers in black and red from a calculating machine with added up numbers resulting in a red 177.59 followed by penciled note '(# 6) PORTER [#184p] engine. Port. Add 1000lbs. Total 18759[lbs]'. With additional penciled note 'Air & feed pumps 1528 each. Steering engine (alone) 411. Blower engines 166. [unreadable] Winlass[sic] engines …'. [This appears to be a calculation made in the late 1910s, possibly in preparation for designs for the Navy.]" (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE14_00600. Calculations. Folder [no #]. No date (1918 ??).)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #184p Porter even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Simpson, Richard V. Building the Mosquito Fleet: The U.S. Navy's First Torpedo Boats. Charleston, S.C., 2001.
  Description of the first American torpedo boats, with strong emphasis on Herreshoff-built vessels. Unfortunately, numerous small factual inaccuracies.
• United States Department of the Navy and Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. [Contract for #184p Porter, Torpedo Boat No. 6.] DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University Collection, George Albert Converse Papers and Photographs, 1861-1897, Box 1, Folder 11, http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/gcp/id/654/rec/25, retrieved June 6, 2018. October, 1895. (3,654 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: No known copyright restrictions. Copyright holder: DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University. Original building/sales contract. Vessel description, scantlings, promised speed, trial conditions, payment terms. Unsigned (unclear if contract was actually executed). 4 pages.
• Converse, George Albert (General Inspector of Torpedo Boats Numbers 6 and 7). [Letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt reporting on the Torpedo Boat Porter.] DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University Collection, George Albert Converse Papers and Photographs, 1861-1897, Box 1, Folder 4, http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/gcp/id/122/rec/16, retrieved June 6, 2018. May 23, 1897. (3,243 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: No known copyright restrictions. Copyright holder: DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University. Facscinating 21-page letter by George Converse, the government's General Inspector of the Torpedo Boat Porter, having just been built by the HMCo, to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt. It responds to unfair criticism about the Porter by the Navy's Bureau of Construction & Repair. The letter addresses five specific points of criticism and refutes each of them in detail. Description of NGH's comparative towing experiments and list of superior performance and performance increases by Lightning, Stiletto, Cushing, Porter, and Dupont. Defense of his policy "to take full advantage of the experience and genius of the designer [NGH], whose phenomenal success in the production of nearly 200 high speed steam vessels has attracted universal attention." The letter may go a long way in explaining why in later years N. G. Herreshoff exhibited such disgust when dealing with the U.S. Navy and its Bureau of Construction & Repair. [Note by DeGolyer Library: The recipient of this letter is the person whose title is listed on the bottom left of the final page, a common practice. Using the date on the first page of the document, it was determined Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy at that time. It cannot be confirmed this letter was sent.]

• Porter (HMCo-made index card)
• Porter (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: Porter
Type: Steam Torpedo Boat
Length: 175'6"
Owner: U.S. Navy

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

• Porter
• 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: Porter
Type: 175' 6" steam torpedo boat
Owner: U.S. Navy
Row No.: 543

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: 1895
E/P/S: P
No.: 184
Name: Porter
OA: 175' 6"

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.

"Note: Additional photos and information about 1890s Herreshoff Torpedo Boats can be found in Mss 0068 and Mss 0068x which comprise the George Albert Converse papers and photographs, DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University (as per http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/smu/00106/00106-P.html, retrieved November 3, 2010). Converse instructed at the Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, R.I., from 1875 to 1878, was an inspector of torpedo boats at Bristol, R.I., from 1889 to 1890, Commander of the USS Enterprise from 1890-1891), and assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance from 1891 to 1892." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. November 3, 2010.)

"Note: Anon (apparently George Albert Converse). [Dates of Model Towing Experiments.] DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University Collection, George Albert Converse Papers and Photographs, 1861-1897, Box 1, Folder 10, http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/gcp/id/650/rec/22, retrieved June 6, 2018. Undated (ca. 1896) shows a list of 'Dates of Model towing Experiments' that can only refer to experiments conducted by NGH: '1876, before designing Lightning [#20p] - Oct. and Nov. 1880, before designing Stiletto [#118p] and others - Nov. 1895, before designing # 6 and 7 [#184p Porter and #185p Dupont] - August 1896, before making designs for 30 knot torpedo boat [#189601ep Unbuilt Torpedo Boat]. These towing experiments, some of which were conducted together with G. A. Converse, are also described in Converse, George Albert (General Inspector of Torpedo Boats Numbers 6 and 7). [Letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt reporting on the Torpedo Boat Porter.] DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University Collection, George Albert Converse Papers and Photographs, 1861-1897, Box 1, Folder 4, http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/gcp/id/122/rec/16, retrieved June 6, 2018. May 23, 1897." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. June 6, 2018.)

"Marine Engine of Open Type. 16 & 22 1/2 & 2x25 x 16, 410[rpm], 1720[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.)

"Displacement 165 long tons (168 t)" (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Porter_(TB-6), December 21, 2011.)

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