HMCo #185p Dupont

"[1896-09-24] Thu 24: Began setting up frames on torpedo boat No 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1896-10-02] Fri 2: Began plating & frames nearly all up on No 7 torpedo boat [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1896-10-04] Sun 4: ... 5 plates on No 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1896-10-18] Sun 18: 46 plates on No 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1896-10-26] Mon 26: Capt. Converse here in Cushing [#152p]. 63 plates on No 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1896-11-25] Wed 25: ... No 7 [#185p Dupont] outside plating all fitted and about half riveted.
[1897-02-08] Mon 8: Begin setting up forward boiler[?] on [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-02-10] Wed 10: ... Tubing forward boiler for [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1897-03-02] Tue 2: 1st boiler for [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont] tubed.
[1897-03-06] Sat 6: ... Lowered forward boiler aboard No 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1897-03-13] Sat 13: Began tubing 2nd boiler for [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-03-18] Thu 18: Put shaft & rudder in [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-03-23] Tue 23: ... Lowered [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont] onto ways & put on screws.
[1897-03-30] Tue 30: Launched [torpedo boat] No 7 Dupont [#185p] at 5-55 p.m. ...
[1897-04-07] Wed 7: Put 2nd boiler in [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. Capt. Converse here. ...
[1897-04-20] Tue 20: 3rd boiler for [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont] tubed.
[1897-04-26] Mon 26: Put aft boiler & starboard engine & condenser aboard [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-05-18] Tue 18: Put port engine in [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-05-19] Wed 19: Towed [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont] to Newport to haul out & paint. ...
[1897-05-20] Thu 20: Torpedo boat Ericson here. Towed [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont] back from Newport.
[1897-06-22] Tue 22: Fired up forward boiler & started starboard engine in [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1897-06-24] Thu 24: Running starboard engine in [torpedo boat] No 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1897-06-29] Tue 29: ... Started port engine in [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont].
[1897-07-02] Fri 2: Tried Nina (#193) and also [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] (U.S. # 7). 1st run.
[1897-07-06] Tue 6: Trial spin in [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-07-07] Wed 7: Trial spin in [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. ...
[1897-07-08] Thu 8: ... Took [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont] to dock at Newport. ...
[1897-07-09] Fri 9: Brought [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont] back from Newport in p.m.
[1897-07-10] Sat 10: Trial of [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. Mr. Morgan, Dr. [blank] & others onboard.
[1897-07-12] Mon 12: Making preparations for trial of [torpedo boat] # 7 [#185p Dupont]. Trial board here & vessel to attend.
[1897-07-13] Tue 13: Very heavy S gale from midnight all day. Overcast. Trial of [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] postponed. As[sitant] Sec[retary] Roosevelt here. ...
[1897-07-14] Wed 14: Very heavy SE to S gale, beginning [in] early a.m. 40 to 50 miles, 9[?] to SO[?] eve[?]. ... [Torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] parted lines at dock and other damage by gale.
[1897-07-15] Thu 15: Started to make trial of [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] but gave it up because of poor vacuum.
[1897-07-16] Fri 16: Started trial of [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] but stopped from beating of piston rod [see January 5, 1897 entry related to Dupont's new guide rods which had been ordered by the Navy much to the chagrin of NGH and JBH].
[1897-07-24] Sat 24: Started engine in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] after changes [apparently putting the NGH-designed and HMCo-built guide rods back in which had been deemed too weak by the Navy].
[1897-07-26] Mon 26: Off in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p].
[1897-07-29] Thu 29: Off in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p].
[1897-07-30] Fri 30: Off in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p].
[1897-07-31] Sat 31: Off in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p].
[1897-08-02] Mon 2: Trial run in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p].
[1897-08-03] Tue 3: Took [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] to Newport marine railway & returned.
[1897-08-04] Wed 4: Started official trial of [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p], but gave up. ...
[1897-08-09] Mon 9: Off in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] in PM.
[1897-08-10] Tue 10: ... Off in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] in p.m.
[1897-08-11] Wed 11: Had official trial of [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] making about 28.6 k[nots].
[1897-08-16] Mon 16: Made short run in [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] to prove vacuum.
[1897-09-15] Wed 15: 1 hour trial of [torpedo boat] Dupont [#185p] with scratch crew from Torpedo Station.
[1899-03-09] Thu 9: ... Torpedo boats Dupont [#185p] & Morris [#190p] left the cove and steamed to Newport.
[1918-05-13] Mon 13: Hauled out Dupont [#185p] in South Shop for repairs." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1896 to 1918. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection [1896-1897]. Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff [1899-1918].)

"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. Right after the battle the 'Dupont' carried the dispatch announcing this victory to the mainland for the telegraphic cables had been cut. It is interesting that in making this run 'Dupont' exceeded her trial speed." (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.)

"I must now tell why the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company stopped building for the United States Navy. When the Navy decided to build several torpedo boats in 1895 the Navy Department designed, I think, all that the Herreshoffs did not build, and some of these designs were rather poor as can be seen in looking at their plans which are in the 1897 year book of the Transactions of the Society of Naval Architects. Some of the personnel of the Navy Department became jealous and caused annoyance to the Herreshoff Company with their inspectors. Among other things the Navy inspectors condemned the piston rod guides on the "Dupont" 's engines and said they were made of the wrong kind of steel. Now these piston guides on a four cylinder engine were quite a job to make as they must be all hand fitted and scraped, like the ways of a lathe. It was not the expense that Captain Nat objected to; rather it was to be compelled to make them of metal that his experience had shown was not satisfactory. Well, when the "Dupont" started to run her trials, these new guides heated up so that she could not run well and when she was limping back to the building yard Captain Nat, although very mad, asked very respectfully if the original guides could not be temporarily put in place to complete the trials. Fortunately this was allowed and she ran her trials without any further trouble, but Captain Nat and J. B. were so mad about this incident that they shook hands in the office and agreed not to build any more vessels for the Navy Department after they finished their present contracts." (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. 193-196.)

"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 [#723s] time. ... 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.)

"Torpedo boat No. 7 [#185p Dupont] is rapidly nearing completion at the Herreshoff works. The engines and boilers will be put in before the launching, and much more of the interior work be done before she is shoved off than was done on No. 6 [#184p Porter], as at that time room was needed in the shops for other purposes. A number of orders have been received for boats of various kinds, including a good-sized steam yacht, a steam launch etc., and work will continue to be brisk at the Herreshoffs." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, February 26, 1897, p. 2.)

"NEWPORT, March 13 [1897]. --- Torpedo Boat No. 7, companion and almost the counterpart of No. 6 [#184p Porter], whose speed recently astonished the naval world, is to be launched from the yards of the Herreshoffs, at Bristol, on or about May 15. The riveting on of her steel plates is now practically completed, and, with this task accomplished, her builders feel that the worst is over. The forward conning tower is constructed, and one of the boilers is finished. This is suspended over the craft from cranes ready to be lowered into position, for it is to be established before the boat is launched in order that the finishing may be facilitated. The two other boilers are not to be placed in position till after the boat is in the water.
No. 7 is in design and appearance to be exactly like No. 6, but with a slight difference in her machinery it is confidently believed that she will be fully half a knot faster than her remarkable companion." (Source: Anon. "Another Speedy Vessel. Torpedo Boat No. 7 May Be Even Faster Than No. 6." New York Times, March 14, 1897, p. 1.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., March 30 [1897]. --- The latest torpedo boat, known as No. 7, was successfully launched at 6 o'clock this evening at the flood tide. The ceremony of baptism was performed by Miss Lottie Converse, daughter of Commander Converse of the torpedo station. The boat is known as the Dupont.
The Dupont is 175 feet 8 1/2 inches on the water line, 17 feet beam, and 6 feet draught The entire hull is covered with steel plates 3-16 of an inch in thickness, and the frames and deck beams are also of steel. She has two conning towers, one at the bow and one at the stern, and in every appointment is nearly an exact reproduction of No. 6. The Herreshoffs are now at work on three other smaller torpedo boats for the Government." (Source: Anon. "Launch Of The Dupont. Torpedo Boat No. 7 Christened At Bristol By Miss Converse." New York Times, March 31, 1897, p. 3.)

"Steam was started on the starboard engine of tho torpedo boat Dupont yesterday at Bristol, said the Newport Herald of Wednesday, and today steam will be started in the port engine. If all goes well the Dupont will be seen about the harbor next week having her shaking down trials. ..." (Source: Anon. "With the Torpedo Boats." Bristol Phoenix, June 25, 1897, p. 1.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., Dec. 2. [1898] --- The torpedo boats Dupont [#185p] and Morris [#190p] came in here last night under their own steam, but considerably damaged. Both boats weathered Saturday's gale off Newport, but the heavy seas badly twisted the stem of the Dupont, and several steel plates of both vessels were badly sprung and dented. It will probably be necessary to haul the Dupont out, as she will require a new stem, and both will have several new plates put in before proceeding." (Source: Anon. "Torpedo Boats Storm-Beaten." New York Times, December 3, 1898, p. 1.)

"TB-7 Du Pont
(TB-7: dp. 166; l. 176'6"; b. 17'9"; dr. 4'8"; s. 28 k.; cpl. 24; a. 4 1-pdr., 3 18" tt.; cl. Porter)
The first Du Pont (TB-7) was launched 30 March 1897 by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., Bristol, R.I., sponsored hy Miss L. Converse; and commissioned 23 September 1897, Lieutenant (junior grade) S. S. Wood in command.
Du Pont operated on the east coast, carrying despatches and training Naval Reservists until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. She carried orders and messages to ships Iying at Dry Tortugas and Key West, Fla., and served on picket and patrol duty off Key West and Matanzas and Santiago, Cuba. She returned to New York 9 August 1898.
Arriving at Newport 4 November 1898, Du Pont was placed out of commission 4 days later. She remained at Newport out of commission, employed occasionally in experimental and training duty. From 1901 to 1909 she was based at Norfolk in the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla. During this time she was in commission twice: From September 1903 to September 1904 as a training ship at the Naval Academy, and from June 1906 to June 1906 for operations with the Coast Squadron on the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Recommissioned 14 May 1909 Du Pont cruised along the coast with the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet until placed in reserve again at Charleston Navy Yard in November 1909. From May 1910 to June 1911 she served the Naval Militia of North Carolina, and after Iying in Newport from October 1911 to May 1914, was loaned to the Naval Militia of Massachusetts 10 June 1914.
With the entry of the United States into World War I Du Pont was recommissioned 9 April 1917 and assigned to duty in the 2d Naval District. The following year she was attached to Patrol Squadron, New London Section, for duty in Narragansett Bay. From 1 August 1918 she was known as Coast Torpedo Boat No. 3 to release the name Du Pont for new construction. She arrived at Philadelphia Navy Yard 24 January 1919, was decommissioned there 8 March 1919, and sold 19 July 1920." (Source: http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/tb7.htm, retrieved March 24, 2007.)

"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 ?).)
① ②

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Pre-printed form filled out by hand (in ink). Titled 'Record of Weights. Torpedo Boat No. 7 [#185p DUPONT]' and providing detailed breakdown of weights in lbs and tons for every steel part of the hull (Group A), every wood part of the hull (Group B), fittings (Group C), Engineer's Weights (Group E [there is no Group D]), Ordnace (Group F), Ships Outfit (Group H). At the end a long remark explains that certain items had to be double-counted as per the form and resulted in too high a final weight. This appears to be a form that had to be filled out by HMCo for the Navy prior to the building (or contract?) of DUPONT. 12pages." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (?) (creator). Preprinted Form. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE05_00070. Folder [no #]. No date (1895 ??).)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫

"[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.)
① ② ③

"[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.)
① ②

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"[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).)
①

"[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 ??).)
①

"[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 ?).)
①

"[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).)
①

"[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.)
① ②

"[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.)
① ②

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"[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 ???).)
①

"[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 ?).)
①

"[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 ???).)
①

"[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 ?).)
①

"[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 ?).)
①

"[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 ?).)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] [Signed handwritten (in ink) letter:] Your note of 10th at hand. I will wait until you are at leisure. I am glad to see by the papers, that the new torpedo boat [#185p DUPONT?] is as good as the EDITH [#456s] and the COCK ROBIN [#461s].
Yours truly ..." (Source: Baker, Charles M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34350. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-02-12.)
①

"[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.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] Draft letter fragment [probably to Theodore Roosevelt and probably related to #185p DUPONT: I will be pleased to go into W[ashington?] to see the Secr. any time you desire, if you think my presence will be of any avail.
[Next sentence crossed out:] I am not much of a talker and always prefer to let[?] and feel that discussions are always better in other's hands.
I sincerely hope something can be done to end this very unpleasant state of affairs relating to the inspection of these[?] torpedo boats and that we may be allowed to proceed with the construction according to our specifications and designs unhampered [by?] those who have shown themselves antagonistic from no other cause that I know of than jealousy.
I am quite sure that if called on to give their opinion of our capability and integrity in doing work connected with those boats there are many men among the yachtsmen who would speak for us, and among them Mr. E. D. M[organ], Mr. E[lbridge] I. G[erry], Ex Secr. Whitney, Mr. C. Oliver Iselin & Mr. Latham Fish. [Undated, but see letter from Theodore Roosevelt dated June 10, 1897 which appears to be a response to this letter making also references to a visit in Washington and talking to well-known yachtsmen. This suggests that this draft letter may have been written ca June 8, 1897. But compare also with letter from Theodore Roosevelt dated June 27, 1897 with similar references.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Letter. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33350. Subject Files, Folder 38, formerly 28-30. No date (ca1897-06-10 ?).)
①

"[Item Transcription:] I have had a long talk with the Secretary [apparently regarding #185p DUPONT]. I am not at liberty to tell you all that passed. I think you understand pretty clearly my attitude in the matter, however. At present I think you had better wait a few days. The Secretary has a plan on hand by which he thinks further trouble can be averted, and that will have to be tried first.
I have made a very strong plea that you be given your first payment immediately, but I
must request you to keep this confidential, I have hopes that my plea will be successful.
I will let you know as soon as the Secretary gives me permission to take any further steps, or as soon as I think your coming on to see him will do good. Just at the moment I doubt if there is anything to be gained. I have asked him to consult any or all of the yachtsmen of whom you wrote, but he answered me that it was entirely useless, for nothing that they could say would add to his already high opinion of your firm. He seems fully to appreciate yours well[?] &[?] shsee[?]. [Incl. envelope.]" (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34150. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-06-10.)
① ② ③ ④

"[Item Transcription:] As the Department could not longer delay giving orders to the Naval Militia, I have arranged to inspect them on the Lakes between the 14th and 24th. I very much hope that the trial of the DUPONT [#185p] will not come between those days, as I am anxious on several accounts which really concern you as much as me, to be aboard of her.
I regret that you did not make any bids for the 30-knot torpedo boats. [Incl. envelope.]" (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34080. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-06-25.)
① ② ③ ④

"[Item Description:] I have had quite a talk with the Secretary [apparently regarding #185p DUPONT]. I think it would be very good if you could see him yourself. I have asked him to summon Lieutenant [Spencer] Wood, and I am going to see if he will not be willing to have an interview with Alty [E.D.] Morgan or Eldridge [sic, i.e Elbridge] T. Gerry. I wish you would write me and state if you would be willing to come on. [Incl. envelope.]" (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34120. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-06-27.)
① ② ③

"[Item Transcription:] I am very much obliged to you for your note. I shall be still more obliged if you will drop me a line three or four days before the trial [of #185p DUPONT], I hope it will be on the 10th or 12th. I shall try to go up on the DUPONT, as at that time I will be at my Long Island home. If you do happen to want to write to me during the next two weeks I wish you would address me at Oyster Bay, L.I., N.Y. ...
P.S. I understand that the trial will probably be about the 10th or 12th, and, if not, clear[?] & probably about the 24th." (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34230. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-06-30.)
① ②

"[Item Description:] You will think that I am a constant correspondent, but I have just seen a letter from Lieutenant Wood which says that he intended the trial [of #185p DUPONT] to take place on the 12th, but owing to my wish to have it take place on the 10th you will work your men overtime to have it on that day. Now, my dear sir, please do not put yourself out. The 12th suits me just as well as the 10th, and the 13th as well as any other day." (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34250. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-07-01.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Run made July 6th [18]97. a.m.' showing data for starboard (four times) and port engine (two times) and noting in column for fourth time of starboard engine that it 'was throttled down on account of 2nd guide heating'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03830. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-06.)
①

"[Item Description:] can't join on #185p DUPONT trials" (Source: Iselin, C. Oliver. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_14470. Correspondence, Folder 40, formerly 201. 1897-07-07.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. July 7, 1897. A.M.' showing data for starboard and port engine for five times. With note 'Starboard eng[ine] broke down. Ran with port eng[ine] only." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03820. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-07.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. July 10th 1897.' showing data for starboard and port engine for seven times." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03800. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-10.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. July 15th 1897. A.M.' showing data for starboard and port engine for eight times and concluding with penciled note 'Official trial postponed because of poor vacuum'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03760. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-15.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Run made July 16th 1897. Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT].' showing data for starboard (four times) and port engine (two times) and concluding with penciled note 'Beginning of Official Trial stopped on acc[oun]t of beating of a piston rod'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03750. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-16.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] How I wish I could accept! But I have to inspect the N.Y. Naval Militia this week, and then return to Washington; so I shall have to deny myself the pleasure.
I only hope the the trial [of #185p DUPONT] will turn out as well as I firmly believe it will, [Incl. envelope.]" (Source: Roosevelt, Theodore. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34190. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-07-26.)
① ② ③ ④

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Run made July 29th 1897 a.m.' showing data for starboard and port engine for four times and concluding with penciled note 'Run about 27 1/2 [sic, i.e. 47 1/2] sea miles in about 2h 3min = 23k'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03740. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-29.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Run made July 30th 1897 a.m.' showing data for starboard and port engine for four times and concluding with penciled note 'Run about 47 1/2 sea miles in about 1h 53min = 25 1/4k = 29 miles'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03730. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-30.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Run made July 31th[sic] 1897 a.m.' showing data for starboard and port engine for four times and concluding with penciled note 'Ran 43 3/4 sea miles in 1h 35 1/2min = 27.45k. A pair of runs over 12k course, speed 27.48[knots]'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03720. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-07-31.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Run made Aug. 2nd 1897 p.m.' showing data for starboard and port engine for four times and concluding with penciled note 'Mean of a pair of runs over 12k course 28.1[knots]'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03710. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-08-02.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) table titled 'Pitch of Propellers on Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT] taken Aug. 3rd 1897. Propellers with 3 blades 5ft 4in dia' showing data for every blade of the two propellers." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03660. Handwritten Table. Folder [no #]. 1897-08-03.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat # 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Run made Aug. 4th 1897 a.m.' showing data for starboard and port engine for three runs (Down, Up, Down) and concluding with penciled note 'Official trial stopped at end of 3rd run on acc[oun]t of inefficiency[?] of Starboard condenser. Starboard engine was besthled[?] 2nd * 3rd runs'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03700. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-08-04.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) trial run note titled 'Torpedo Boat No 7 [#185p DUPONT]. Aug. 11th 1897. Official Trial' showing data for starboard and port engine for 1st run, 2nd run, 3rd run, 4th run, and 5th run." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03650. Trial Run Note. Folder [no #]. 1897-08-11.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] I am unable to find one of the Ordnance boxes No. 6 which contained the sponge handles for the small guns [apparently for #185p DUPONT]. It is about six feet long and for some time was in the south shop under the bows of the little torpedo boat. Will you kindly look it up and if you are coming up or rather down this way bring it down? We are putting back the tubes after finding the shell quite clean so now the thing is to get the condenser together as rapidly as possible. The tubes on the inboard side were much dirtier than those in the center. All which were taken out and all which could be reached from the inside have been wiped off carefully with clean waste and naphtha so we are getting things as clean as we know how. Hope to have running by the end of the week when I think all will be well. If you could send us that little piece of brass pipe which you used for packing the stuffing boxes of the tubes it would assist us a great deal. I spoke to Mr. J.B. [JBH] about it but he said until Mr. Wood returned from leave he could not get it, will you look it up please and send it to us by mail? Thanking you in advance for your kindness believe me ...
Will you kindly let me know whether you succeed in finding the box, marked No.6 or not? It must be there for I know it was there and I have not the things on board." (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34260. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-09-06.)
① ②

"[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.)
① ②

"[Item Description:] I am sorry to have to let you know about one or two little points on the boat [#185p DUPONT?] which might attract some attention, flange at condenser leaking due to corrosion, boiler tubes blown out, salt water pump is continually breaking down, main engines are working beautifully, boat is very satisfactory, we[?] are now painted[?] with Mr. James paint, see it is sticking on well, I should recommend it to you for your other boats, we expect to dock in Jacksonville, Fla. & again in New Orleans before going up the river when we will change to cast iron propellers for the trip & change again when we return, carpets, curtain for mess room, expect to leave tomorrow next day for Savannah, Ga., incl. sketch on separate note" (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34300. Subject Files, Folder 41, formerly 28-30. 1897-11-11.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤

"[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).)
①

"[Item Description:] Letter sent from torpedo boat #185p DUPONT in Mobile, Ala. asking for a head (bottom) for cylinder of dynamo engine, offering suggestion, sorry to say propellers show signs of spetting[?] but will last my time" (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33750. Subject Files, Folder 40, formerly 28-30. 1898-02-23.)
① ②

"[Item Description:] Letter sent from torpedo boat #185p DUPONT in Mobile, Ala. [difficult to decipher]." (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33770. Subject Files, Folder 40, formerly 28-30. 1898-02-25.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten on 'Samuel Cabot. Manufacturing Chemist' stationery with 'Our Chelsea Works' image:] I suppose you are very busy at present, and if too busy to give me a reply do not let this trouble you for a moment, but if you could let us know how well our Black Bottom Composition has worked in your business, and particularly that lot used upon the 'DUPONT' [#185p] last Summer it night be a material advantage to us in introducing it as we are doing now on a pretty extended scale.
I trust you are all well at the house on the water, and are meditating a return inland shortly to the farm. With kindest regards to Mrs. Herreshoff, believe me ... [Handwritten in ink:] P.S. We are all well and hope we may see you and Mrs Herreshof this year." (Source: Cabot IV, Samuel. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_12970. Correspondence, Folder 37, formerly 197. 1898-03-23.)
①

"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink and pencil) trials booklet 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Experiments & Trial Trips. 1890. N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§43: #185p DUPONT [DUPONT] Preliminary Trial Run (1897-07-02)
§44: #185p DUPONT [DUPONT] Official Trial Run postponed & stopped (1897-07-10 & 1897-07-15&16)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_02260. Folder [no #]. 1890-01 to 1898-08.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯ ⑰ ⑱ ⑲ ⑳ ㉑ ㉒ ㉓ ㉔ ㉕ ㉖ ㉗ ㉘ ㉙ ㉚ ㉛ ㉜ ㉝ ㉞ ㉟ ㊱ ㊲ ㊳ ㊴ ㊵ ㊶ ㊷ ㊸ ㊹ ㊺ ㊻ ㊼ ㊽ ㊾ ㊿
① ② ③ ④

"[Item Description:] Letter sent from USS MASSACHUSETTS, Navy Yard, New York, [difficult to decipher], re #185p DUPONT at Bristol with plates bent, 'what was the matter with & where were they going?'" (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33780. Subject Files, Folder 40, formerly 28-30. 1898-12-02.)
① ②

"[Item Description:] Letter sent from USS MASSACHUSETTS, Navy Yard,, New York, [difficult to decipher], Very many thanks for your letter which is most interesting. What a serious time the little boats had! [#185p DUPONT?], I fear it will give the Torpedo Station a 'black eye' as a winter tendezvous for torpedo boats, ..., I congratulate you on your success, they had better let you keep the boats all winter, glad to hear that you have your hands so full all and looking forward with much confidence to your new [America's Cup] defender" (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33800. Subject Files, Folder 40, formerly 28-30. 1898-12-07.)
① ②

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] [Mimeographed manuscript by the commanding officer of #185p DUPONT documenting her performance during the Spanish American war. Eleven pages. Detailed day by day description, closing with:] In closing I desire to protest most respectfully, against the frequent statements which have been made that the torpedo boats proved to be failures because they failed to destroy a hostile ship; they were overworked, from necessity I will admit, but, many times they were used when a tug would have served the purpose fully as well, and in the DUPONT I have carried messages from one vessel to another which could have been signaled fully as quickly. Although debarred from performing their legitimate duty still they performed other services which at times proved fully as valuable to the Government in its conduct of the war. [Dated 1/26/1900, U.S.F.S. BROOKLYN, Manila, Philippine Islands.]" (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Correspondence (report) to Secretary of the Navy. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_56060. Subject Files, Folder 65, formerly 149. 1900-01-26.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫

"[Item Description:] [Letter sent from U.S.S. BROOKLYN:] Thinking you may be interested in the work of one of your 'winners' I enclose herewith a copy of a summary which I have made of the doings of the DUPONT [#185p] during the war with Spain and would be much obliged to you if after you have finished reading it you could read it to Mr J.B. [JBH] as he may want to hear what I have said about it. With kindest regards, don't[?] best of good[?] wishes[?] for the New Year, believe me, very sincerely yours, ..." (Source: Wood, Spencer S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52640. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1900-01-27.)
①

"[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

Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #185p Dupont 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 #185p Dupont, Torpedo Boat No. 7.] 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/652/rec/26, retrieved June 6, 2018. October, 1895. (3,713 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.

• Dupont (HMCo-made index card)
• Dupont (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: Dupont
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.

• Dupont
• 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: DuPont
Type: 175' 6" steam torpedo boat
Owner: U.S. Navy
Row No.: 174

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.: 185
Name: Dupont
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.)

"Built in 364 days (setup to finished; equivalent to $396/day, 912 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"Displacement, 166 [long or short?] tons." (Source: http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/tb7.htm, last visit March 24, 2007.)

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