HMCo #203p Scout [Tender for #529s Mineola]

"[1899-11-02] Thu 2: Turned over st[eame]r #203 [Scout (Tender for #529s Mineola)].
[1899-11-29] Wed 29: Mr. Belmont here in afternoon to look at his yachts building [#529s Mineola and #203p Scout]. ...
[1900-01-16] Tue 16: Light variable [wind]. L[igh]t rain in AM. Fair & calm in PM. Launched Mr. Belmont's 70 footer Mineola [#529s] & launch Scout [#203p, tender for Mineola] at 8:30 & 9:30. Mr. B[elmont] here with party in private car. Calm [in] PM & night.
[1900-03-20] Tue 20: H[eav]y rain last night. Fine & spring tide. ... Launched ... Scout [#203p] from cove. [Scout's owner] Mr. Belmont here. ...
[1900-03-22] Thu 22: Strong W to SSW [wind]. Clear. Steam [up] on Scout [#203p] and brought her up to wharf and inspected [her] in PM. ...
[1900-03-26] Mon 26: Fine [in] AM. Later in PM, threatening [with] mod[erate] SSE [wind]. Mr. Belmont [owner of #529s Mineola and #203p Scout] & Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] here. Had successful trial of Scout, making 20 1/2 miles [per hour]. Took Mr. B[elmont] & K[ennedy] to Wickford in PM, then launched st[eame]r #106 [sic, i.e. #206] Iona. ...
[1900-04-02] Mon 2: Hauled Scout [#203p] on railway to paint.
[1900-04-07] Sat 7: Very fine & warm. Fresh N [wind] & clear. Scout [#203p] left for NY. ...
[1900-04-25] Wed 25: Clear [with] fresh NNW [wind]. Scout [#203p] arrived in PM with part of Mineola [#529s] crew. ...
[1900-04-26] Thu 26: Fair [with] fresh NNW [wind] & cool. ... Mr. Belmont [owner of #529s Mineola and #203p Scout] & Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] & Willard here.
[1900-05-08] Tue 8: Strong SSW [wind] with some rain. Scout [#203p] left for NY. ...
[1900-06-05] Tue 5: Very fine & calm in AM. Mod[erate] SSW [wind in] PM. ... Mineola [#529s] & Scout [#203p] arrived.
[1900-06-06] Wed 6: Very fine [with] l[igh]t S [wind in] AM. Fresh SSW [wind in] PM. Went off in Mineola [#529s] in PM to try sails. ... Hauled out Scout [#203p] to clean & paint. Blower[?] fitted onboard Scout.
[1900-06-08] Fri 8: Foggy all day. Rain in evening. Mineola [#529s] & Scout [#203p] left in PM.
[1900-06-29] Fri 29: Fine & warm. Wind W. Scout [#203p] arrived. Strong SW [wind] in evening, shifting to WNW in night." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1899 to 1900. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"March 23rd 1900
No. 203. Scout. High speed st[eam] launch, similar to Jean [#194p], 73ft w.l.
First run off. On upper 1/2 mile in harbor ... 16.66k[n] = 19.2 miles.
(There was fully 1 mile tide ahead.)
Engine 6 1/4 - 10 & 16 x 9. Boiler about 21sq.
March 26th [1900]
No 203. Scout. Official trial.
2 pairs of runs on 3 knot course, Bristol Ferry & Sandy Pt.
Wind moderate (12 miles) S.S.E. Tide early flood (weak). Cross break[?] coal (about 3/4 ton).
Full equipment except chain cable (307lbs).
Trim, at painted line forward about 3 1/2in light of line after 8 [persons] on board.
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with best mean speed being 20.13mph]
Steam very steady, jet used not to full extend. Approx[imate] av[erage] pressures. ... Vibration moderate.
In p.m. run to Wickford & return. Flood tide. SSE [wind with] 12mph. Dis[ance] 13.1 miles.
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with mean speed being 17.75mph]." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten note in Trials Booklet '1898 - 1909' under date of March 23, 1900 and March 26, 1900. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.)

"This same year Captain Nat designed a quite remarkable small steam yacht for August Belmont to act as a tender to the 'Mineola.' She was named 'Scout,' and eventually the Herreshoff Company built seven [sic, i.e. 9] of these fast steamers which were generally referred to as the Scout Class. They were all built on the same molds and had the same power plants but varied in length some fourteen feet, and, as I recall it, varied in speed from about twenty to twenty-one and a half miles per hour.
These were extremely smooth running yachts that were fine sea boats and economical in fuel consumption. Some of them lasted quite a long time and they were the forerunners in construction and general arrangement of many gasoline launches built by several builders." (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. 218, 220.)

"By 1900, the small American steam yacht had developed into something like Scout [#203p] .... She was built for August Belmont, was 81 feet long and when new capable of making 21 miles an hour. There were eight [sic, i.e. 9] of this design of small steamers built and they set the style for a great many others so that some of their characteristics were retained in the design of similar craft for the next thirty years. In the old days, many would call Scout a steam launch, but today we would think of an 80-footer as a large and expensive yacht. Although I do not know the proper designation or classification of the different sizes and types of steam yachts, I should say a launch was a craft only slightly decked over at the ends. The length was quite varied, for one at least, Javelin [#164p], was 90 [sic, i.e. 98] feet long." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. An Introduction to Yachting. New York, 1963, p. 52-53.)

"BRISTOL, R.I., Jan. 16 [1900] --- The new racer built at the Herreshoff works for August Belmont, the New York banker, was launched to-day. Mr. Belmont and party, including Miss Natalie Schenck, Mrs. Tiffany, Miss Tiffany, Mr. Belmont's eight-year-old son, and A. Van Rensselaer Kennedy, arrived here in Mr. Belmont's private car this morning. After breakfast the party were driven to the shipyard, and the launching was successfully accomplished soon after their arrival. ...
On the tide succeeding that on which the Mineola was launched an elaborate steam launch, eighty feet in length and of high pressure, also built for Mr. Belmont, was sent from the ways. She will be used principally as a tender for the Mineola, accompanying her on the cruise and carrying spare sails, spars, &c. Master Morgan Belmont christened her, naming her the Scout. Mr. Belmont would not discuss the plans for the Mineola's season, and said the launching had been strictly informal." (Source: Anon. "August Belmont's New Yacht. The Mineola Successfully Launched at Bristol, R.I." New York Times, January 17, 1900, p. 10.)

"... By the launching of August Belmont's new racing cutter Mineola and her tender Scout attention has been drawn largely to the Herreshoff yards at Bristol. There are more than 130 carpenters in the boat shops there, and the force is being increased each week. ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." New York Times, January 21, 1900, p. 28.)

"Scout, steam yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Built of Wood.
30.44 gross tons, 20.07 net tons; 75.7 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 7.6 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
Two decks, no mast, overhanging head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, February, 1900." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Scout.)

"... August Belmont's steam launch Scout, built as a tender for his 70-footer Mineola, now building at Herreshoffs', developed a speed of twenty knots in her trial trip at Bristol last week. The Vice Commodore was aboard, having gone to Bristol from this city for the trial. ..." (Source: Anon. (W. J. H.) "Notes for Yachtsmen." New York Times, April 3, 1900, p. 10.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 863:]
Scout, steam yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1900.
30.44 gross tons, 20.07 net tons; 75.7 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 7.6 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
Two decks, [blank] mast, overhanging head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) Mar. 13, 1900. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] Apr. 10, 1900 at New York. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
[License on enrollment issued out of the port of Bristol. 40:]
SCANT[sic, i.e. SCOUT], steam yacht, of New York.
Built at Bristol, 1900.
20 tons; 75.7 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 7.6 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
No specifications shown. Previously enrolled Apr. 10, 1900 at New York, N.Y.
Lic[ensed] (temporary) [as] (yacht) May 5, 1904. Owner: August Belmont of New York, N.Y. Master: James H. Pierce.
License surrendered May 17, 1904 at New York, N.Y. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence])." (Source: Survey of Federal Archives, Work Projects Administration. Ships Documents of Rhode Island. Bristol. Ship Registers and Enrollments of the Port of Bristol - Warren Rhode Island, 1941, s.v. Scout.)

"...Vice Commodore August Belmont's steam tender Scout is in commission and has been at the Herreshoff shops for a week. Mr. Belmont visited there a few days ago. ..." (Source: Anon. "Herreshoff Builds Three Crack Yachts." New York Sunday Telegraph, June 1, 1902, p. B1.)

"The 80 foot steamer Scout, owned by August Belmont, which was overhauled at Herreshoffs, left here Saturday [May 31, 1902] for New York." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, June 3, 1902, p. 2.)

"... The desire among wealthy yachtsmen for high-speed steam craft developed about 1900. The Vamoose [#168p] was the pioneer in 1891, and held sway for several years, till the Yankee Doodle appeared in the field. The Javelin [#164p] followed and then the Now Then [#142p]. Each exceeded the speed of its predecessor slightly, the Now Then achieving the unheard-of record of twenty-one miles an hour.
How the mighty fall in yachting can be illustrated no better than by the fate of this quartet. The Javelin and Yankee Doodle have disappeared. Where the Javelin is none but the most dyed-in-the wool enthusiast can say. The Yankee Doodle blew up in the Raritan Canal. The Now Then is still in commission, owned by E. F. Luckenbach of this city, while the Vamoose is in the service of W. Lewisohn. Neither, if they were to be seen making twenty-odd miles on the Hudson, would attract more than a passing glance from the men among whom they once were the observed of all observers.
With the appearance of three Hereshoff flyers in 1900 they were all lost sight of. The first of the trio was the Niagara III, [#210p], built for Howard Gould. It achieved twenty-two miles in trials during its first year. The Scout [#203p], owned by August Belmont, followed, and finally the Mirage [#207p], built for Cornelius Vanderbilt. The three never met in an actual scheduled race, and their relative merit was a much-mooted question among yachtsmen. Many an impromptu brush they had, however, first one and then the other showing ahead. It was generally accepted, finally, that the Niagara III was the fastest of the lot, though followers of the other two would likely dispute it to-day.
The Vixen followed and achieved twenty-three miles in 1902, after several attempts to produce a boat that could excel the Niagara III's record had failed the previous year. There was the Sovereign II., built for M. C. D. Borden, which made twenty miles at best; T. H. Newberry's Dawn [#212p], which made about the same speed, and E. D. Randolph's Scud, which exceeded twenty-one. ... [Note, that the article confuses the sequence in which these high-speed yachts were built.]" (Source: Anon. "Gen. Ives Owns the World's Fastest Steam Yacht." New York Times, June 18, 1905, p. SM6.)

"Scout (SP 114)
Motorboat: Built in 1900 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., Bristol, RI; Acquired by the Navy 25 May 1917; Commissioned 25 June 1917; Returned to her owner 12 December 1917. Fate unknown.
Specifications: Displacement 30 t.; Length 81'; Beam 10' 7"; Draft 3' 5"; Speed 22 kts.; Complement unknown; Armament one 3-pounder." (Source: http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/170114.htm, retrieved March 17, 2007.)

"Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Scout
A person or vessel who explores or reconnoiters. The first and second Scouts retained former names.
(MB: t. 30; l. 81'; b. 10'7"; dr. 3'5"; s. 22 k.; a. 1 3-pdr.)
The second Scout (SP-114), built in 1900 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., Bristol, R.I., was acquired by the Navy on 25 May 1917 on loan from her owner, Mr. August Belmont, New York; refitted for section patrol work; and placed in service on 25 June. For the next five months, she operated in the 3d Naval District. On 12 December 1917, she was returned to her owner." (Source: http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/s7/scout-ii.htm, retrieved March 17, 2007.)

"[Item Description:] I hardly had time to thoroughly digest the specifications of both my boats [#529s MINEOLA and #203p SCOUT] when I saw a few things which will materially change the plans, ventilation, electric bells, starboard gangway not varnished, I do not like #510s PETREL's cutter, was out on PETREL yesterday + she creaks as bad as ever, try to avoid this with butternut in the interior, prefer hatches of butternut like #499s COLUMBIA, 26th Sept is a good date to try & close the class up, how quickly could you build the steam launch [SCOUT]?, this autumn?" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39320. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-03.)
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"[Item Description:] received the blue print of my new [#529s] MINEOLA, prefer saloon forward of state rooms, will you discuss my plan with your brother John [JBH] who is ingenious about these matters & also talk to Mr. Morgan?, #510s PETREL's storm locker, detachable frame with glass for charts on deck, doors, desk in saloon, glass locker, saloon table, is pantry big enough?, when can I have a drawing of the lines of the boat?, when can you give me plans of the new steam launch [#203p SCOUT]?" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39340. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-05.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.00266.1 (005-031). Blueprint general arrangement plan with inboard profile titled 'Drawing to accompany specifications of steamer #203 [SCOUT]'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item WRDT06_00430. Folder [no #]. 1899-09-05.)
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"[Item Description:] have not yet had time to digest rules for One Design Class of 65 feet water line [sic, the New York 70 design started out at 65ft LWL and was changed to 70ft LWL in October 1899], have gone over the plan for steam yacht, which I propose to call the [#203p] SCOUT, re #529s MINEOLA galley is too small, need gaspipe bunk in sail-room for steward, 'Another matter that was overlooked entirely in both boats are electric bells. That, now-a-days, is an indispensable matter; please note this', want port holes, please discuss with [E.D.] Morgan, need loose board of white pine as designing board in chart-room" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39380. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-13.)
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"[Item Description:] have studied fresh cabin plan of #529s MINEOLA, dislike very much to give up so much of the saloon, better reduce state-room, sideboards pretty small, has Mr. Robinson signed his contract?, floor plan of #203p SCOUT is not very clear to me" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39400. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-20.)
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"[Item Description:] have sent first check for [#203p SCOUT and #529s MINEOLA] to your firm, #188p SQUIB had forward of galley a little eating saloon and then forecastle, would like same on SCOUT" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39410. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-25.)
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"[Item Description:] will try to arrange visit with [E.D.] Morgan in Bristol [to see #203p SCOUT and #529s MINEOLA], the duck you had made in Lowell, are we all to have this duck on our boats, or is it something special which we will have to order outside of the general contract?" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39420. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-10-31.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I see by a letter from the [HMCo] firm to Mr. Belmont, that part of the deck of the launches [#207p MIRAGE and#203p SCOUT] has been changed from canvas to pine, and the letter says by my direction. If you remember, I merely asked your opinion about bright decks versus canvas covered, but you thought the canvas covered decks were much more practicable and I gave into your better judgment.
Another paragraph in the same letter asked Mr. Belmont if he wishes red cedar like Mr. Morgan's and states that the price is much greater and the efficiency much less. Will you kindly ask them to send me the difference in price in red cedar over butternut, as I do not wish to have any extras without knowing what they will be. I understood that Spanish cedar would be the same price as butternut." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37660. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1899-11-04.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of 6th re[ceive]d. It is evident we are at cross purposes in the matter of the decks [for #207p MIRAGE and#203p SCOUT]. I do not want to sacrifice an speed or utility if[?] I can keep it but like a good appearance. I leave it to your judgment.
I am continually saying 'red' cedar when I mean Spanish cedar.
Please go ahead with the latter but send me a memorandum of extra expense.
I was sorry not to be able to get on last week to see the 'ATHENE' [#520s] but I have some director's meetings that made it impossible. I have not seen Mr. Belmont for a few days but will mention y[ou]r kind invitation to him when I do.
It is impossible just at present to say when I can go on as I've a busy season on hand. In addition to w[or]k two of the children have influenza.
With kind regards for Mrs Herreshoff I am ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37670. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1899-11-13.)
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"N/A"

"[Item Description:] will go over to Mott Iron Works and find out if they can make me a wash stand of Spanish cedar [apparently for #529s MINEOLA], footboard should be varnished Spanish cedar, butternut for the [#203p] SCOUT, idea of bureau in MINEOLA's after state-room is satisfactory, you state that Spanish cedar would not stand as well as mahogany but I cannot conceive it would wear out very rapidly, don't mind that you were unable to meet when we were in Bristol [apparently on launching day January 16, 1900 when Belmont had come by private railroad car], sending photo of MINEOLA [apparently Belmont's old Burgess-designed 46-footer]" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39460. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-01-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Typewritten (carbon copy) table with penciled additions listing boats built 1899/1900 with columns labeled 'Design [in pencil]', 'Shop. No.', 'Length', 'Planking', 'Delivery', 'Owner' followed by penciled data for Boat Name and Actual Delivery Date. Relevant contents:
#203p [Length:] 81ft [Planking:] Y[ellow] P[ine] [Delivery:] Apr. 15 [1900] [Owner:] A. Belmont [Act. Delivery:] Apr. 6 [1900] (SCOUT)." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator) and Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01290. Folder [no #]. No date (1900-02).)
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"[Item Description:] Re shellacing and waxing, please send me a small piece of wood of the Spanish cedar, waxed, and I can then compare it with the piece you have already sent me which I believe is shellaced or vice versa [apparently for #529s MINEOLA or #203p SCOUT]." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39490. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-02-06.)
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"[Item Description:] have received your letter of the 21st. inst [apparently with NY70 class rules], already had a talk with Mr. Whitney [owner of #534s YANKEE] and no doubt we can adopt rules for the class, Mr. Whitney's idea was that they should all be on the same footing, every restrictive measure suits him fully and the sails also suit him, I gave him a sample of the Lowell duck and it is his fault if he does not order it, I told him two or three times about it, please send dimensions of signals for [#529s] MINEOLA and also the ensign and likewise for the [#203p] SCOUT" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39510. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-02-23.)
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"[Item Description:] Mr. Belmont has been talking enthusiastically about his seventy-footer [#529s MINEOLA], result is I am keen about the boats and thinking of trip to Bristol with Mrs Whitney to see how my boat [#534s YANKEE] is coming on, he also informed me that I must order sails such as he is having made out of a special duck of which, I understand you have a sufficient quantity for all the boats, I fear I made a mistake in not ordering a launch similar Mr Belmont's [#203p] SCOUT, I don't suppose that you have any boat of about that character for sale or could build me one to be ready at the time the seventy-footer is ready?" (Source: Whitney, Harry Payne. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39520. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-04-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have received your letter of April 7th, returning the rules of the [NY70] One Design Class, and thank you for your suggestions, which I will submit to my Associates.
Believe me ...
[PS:] I shall write to you about [#203p] SCOUT later." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39540. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-04-11.)
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"[Item Description:] I know you will be surprised to hear the results of the [#203p] SCOUT's run to New York, and as disappointed as Mr. Morgan and myself at the outcome of the boat, she consumed about 1 3/4 tons of coal and averaged less than 15 miles speed, Mr. Morgan had over and over again stated that these boats should be capable of running from Newport to New York at a speed of at least 17 miles, Mr. Vanderbilt was [also] very much upset, boat appears to have not enough water capacity to carry her over a 50 mile run at anything over 17 mile speed, Mr. Morgan's engineer Mr. Taylor then tested the boat and I am now sending his report, boat is absolutely useless for our purposes unless she maintains her 17 miles an hour and runs up to 175 miles without having to coal or water, I hope you will take this matter up serously, back of transom in forward cabin looks bad and should be altered as per attached diagram, Mr. Vanderbilt left the matter of the [#207p] MIRAGE entirely in my hands asking me to do for what I would do for SCOUT, Mr. [E.D.] Morgan [who had originally contracted for MIRAGE] also feels a sort of moral responsibilty for their outcome, incl. sketch of transom alteration" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39550. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-04-14.)
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"[Item Description:] engineer's report accompanying Belmont's April 14, 1900 letter to NGH: #203p SCOUT has not enough water capacity, automatic feed pump was not in good order and not used" (Source: Taylor, Capt. R.T. Correspondence (report) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39620. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. No date (1900-04-14).)
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"[Item Description:] am surprised and pained to hear of the dissatisfaction you have expressed [about #203p SCOUT] for I have been feeling pleased with the boats as to speed, handiness and good accomodations, speed at trial has never been exceeded by any small vessel using anthracitic coal and having an open fire room, boats are heavier due to owner's demands, never encouraged Mr. Morgan to use her for service to New York, never guaranteed any such performance which would be technically impossible with anthracitic coal, surprised engineer used jet without assistance of a fireman, speed of 15 miles in such rough weather is very fast and may well be a record, 'we want to do all that is possible to the boats to make them successful but I cannot do and you must not expect impossibilities', Taylor is a good engine driver but not a marine engineer, his fire was dirty but he did not state it, #529s MINEOLA is now rigged, copy of letter" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to August Belmont. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39640. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-04-16.)
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"[Item Description:] much disappointed that your statement [regarding #203p SCOUT's perceived lack of performance] is at variance with Mr. Morgan's, if the boat can do no more than you say she is utterly useless to me, only 14 miles an hour for 150 miles doesn't suit me, if I find myself unable to race so as not to interfere with my business, owing to my not having a proper means of getting about, I will be forced to offer my boats for sale, in your letter you seem to have taken a totally different view of what I expected to have, this is which distresses me most on the whole subject, I note that you tell me that I must not expect impossibilities, my faith in your abilities has been such that I have been almost led to feel that you can perform impossibilities" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39720. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-04-17.)
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"[Item Description:] have received your letter and am going to try get on next week, I note you say jet should be used at any speed above 14 miles [in #203p SCOUT], I was out yesterday and attained only 14 miles, size, design and room on the boat are exactly what I wanted, speed and steam radius are what I am in difficulties about" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39770. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-04-19.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have within a few days returned from Mexico, and yesterday received from Mr. Belmont copies of correspondence between you, 14th and 19th April inclusive.
Mr. Belmont's present understanding as to the capability of the 'SCOUT' [#203p] is as received originally from me and confirmed by you in his presence in your model room ---a speed of more than 20 miles on trial, an average of 17 miles in ordinary use. I am thus definite because I was most careful to convey to Messrs. Belmont and Vanderbilt [#207p MIRAGE] the impression of the boats I received from you as nearly as possible word for word, and I furthermore told them that as the matter was an exact science with you, there was no guess work about it, quoting the performances of 'NOW THEN' [#142p] 'DAISY' [#133p ex-HENRIETTA], 'ITEM' [#183p] 'VANISH' [#177p] &c between Newport and Sound Harbors as well as elsewhere. The question of our using the launches [#203p SCOUT and #207p MIRAGE] between Newport and the vicinity of New York came up frequently in conversation and was included as among the ordinary uses. However, the point is, what can the SCOUT do between Newport and Roslyn? and there is only one way to answer this question satisfactorily between Mr. Belmont and yourself, that is for you personally to make the run from Newport to Roslyn in her. This only will demonstrate the point at issue, the water tank capacity. You are involved in nothing more serious than a pleasant Sunday trip down the Sound with no expense for return trip, as I am sure Mr. Belmont would gladly assume such incidentals. Once the boat has demonstrated under your supervision exactly what she can do, the whole matter will assume a much more tangible form. At present all appear to be at cross purposes. I am taking this trouble with the single purpose of bringing about a termination to this question which shall be satisfactory to the principals. As to my own feelings in the matter, I note what you say about Mr. Belmont having been misinformed as to the capacity of the SCOUT, and also your scathing criticisms of my agent, Mr. Taylor, who was sent by me for the purpose and with the order to make the best possible showing for the boat." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37870. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-05-09.)
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"[Item Description:] [on #529s MINEOLA stationery, dated 'Monday':] I am minus an engineer, can you help me to one, I have promised the [#203p] SCOUT for the Committee boat on Wednesday [apparently Wednesday May 30, 1900, Memorial Day], I seem to be in and of something which you can help me about, I hope you will have the MINEOLA first + get her out of the way, we won today" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39800. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. No date (1900-05-28 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] [on #551s CONSTITUTION stationery:] skipper of the [#203p] SCOUT misjudged a turn, please look at it to see if it is all safe, let me know cost of repair and time. Incl. envelope." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_22050. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1903-07-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (mostly in pencil but also in ink) trials booklet titled '1898 - 1909'. Relevant contents:
§7: #203p SCOUT [TENDER FOR #529s MINEOLA] Trial Run best speed 17.745kn (1900-03-26 & 1899-03-26)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE09_00060. Folder [no #]. 1898-09 to 1911-04.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #203p Scout [Tender for #529s Mineola] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Scout (HMCo-made index card)
• Scout (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: Scout
Type: Steam
Length: 81'
Owner: Belmont, August

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

• Scout
• 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: Scout
Type: 81' steamer
Owner: A. Belmont
Year: 1900
Row No.: 603

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: 1899
E/P/S: P
No.: 203
Name: Scout
OA: 81'
LW: 72'

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.

"Scout's triple expansion steam engine was displayed at Mystic Seaport Museum in August 1992 as per the New London Day of March 20, 1992, p. 18." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. April 28, 2014.)

"Steam engine rating 285hp from undated (1903 or later) diagram by N. G. Herreshoff titled 'Marine Engine. Weights and Prices' in the Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 24, 2019.)

"Marine Engine of Open Type. 6 1/4 & 10 & 16 x 9, 610[rpm], 285[hp]. [Note:] 2100lbs [in pencil]." (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 30 [long or short?] t." (Source: http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/170114.htm, last visit March 17, 2007.)

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