HMCo #207p Mirage [Tender for #532s Rainbow]

"[1899-11-11] Sat 11: L[igh]t rain & NE wind. ... Set up moulds for #207, 80 ft st[eamer (Mirage, Tender for #532s Rainbow)].
[1899-11-22] Wed 22: Began planking #207, E. D. Morgan’s 80 ft st[eame]r [Mirage, tender for #532s Rainbow].
[1899-12-13] Wed 13: Very fine & mild. Clear [with] l[igh]t SW [wind]. Turned over st[eame]r #207 [Mirage, tender for #532s Rainbow].
[1900-01-31] Wed 31: Calm [in] AM. Strong W [wind] in evening & much colder. Put boiler in #207 [Mirage, the tender for #532s Rainbow].
[1900-03-01] Thu 1: Heavy SE rain storm all day. Very high tide in evening, about 20in. over floor on the end of shop. ... At work in evening getting #207 [Mirage] ready to launch in morning. Bar[ometer] 29.20.
[1900-03-02] Fri 2: Strong W [wind]. Too rough to launch #207 [Mirage].
[1900-03-04] Sun 4: L[igh]t W to SW [wind]. Very fair. Launched #207 [Mirage] over floor on temporary ways without accident & moored [her] in cove. Threatening in PM.
[1900-03-23] Fri 23: SSW [wind] and cloudy & milder. WNW [wind] in PM & clear. ... Mr. [E. D.] Morgan sold his 80’ st[eame]r [#207p Mirage as well as his NY70 #532s Rainbow] to C. Vanderbilt [following the recent death of one of his children].
[1900-03-30] Fri 30: Off in #207 [Mirage] for trial in PM.
[1900-03-31] Sat 31: NE [wind and] snowing in AM. Clearing in PM. Had trial of #207 [Mirage] making speed of 20.53 miles [per hour]. Mr. & Mrs. Vanderbilt here. ...
[1900-06-09] Sat 9: Very fine & warm. Variable [wind]. ... Rainbow [#532s] & Mirage [#207p] left for Newport. ...
[1901-05-14] Tue 14: Fine [with] fresh SSW [wind]. ... Launched Squib [#188p] and Mirage [#207p].
[1902-03-26] Wed 26: Very fine. Clear[?] NE [wind]. Launched Mirage [#207p Tender for #532s Rainbow, originally built in 1899] to be able to get at Squib [#188p, built in 1896]." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1899 to 1902. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"March 30, 1900
Preliminary run of Mirage #207 which is sister boat to Scout [#203p].
On 3 knot course. Tide flood and SSE 8[mph]. 4 on board and not all of equipment, say 500lbs light.
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with mean speed being 17.99k[n] = 20.7mph]
Steam about 230lbs, vacuum 23 1/2[in]. Everything working well.
March 31 [1900]
Official Trial of Mirage (#207)
2 pairs of runs on 3 knot course, Bristol Ferry to Sandy Pt.
Wind 10 miles, NE. Tide young flood.
S.S.E. Tide early flood (weak). Cross creek Lehigh coal about 3/4 tons, not quite all equipment on board (probably 500lbs about[?]. 6 persons [on board].
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with mean speed being 20.53mph]
Steam 1st run 225lbs, other runs 238, steam chest 220 ... Vibration moderate. Everything working well, no heating." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten note in Trials Booklet '1898 - 1909' under date of March 30, 1900 and March 31, 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.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., March 5 [1900]. --- Without ceremony and so quickly that only the workmen employed in the task knew of their intention the Herreshoffs yesterday launched the second of the five steam yachts they will build as tenders for the 70-footers which will be very much in evidence at Newport next summer.
The new tender is for Com. E. D. Morgan of New York, whose 70-foot flyer was launched on Jan 16 last [sic; an erroneous reference to #529s Mineola, launched on January 16, 1900 for August Belmont (and not for E. D. Morgan)], and is now undergoing finishing touches. There is little if any difference between the Morgan tender and the Scout which will serve Vice Com August Belmont's Mineola. It is 80 feet in length over all, of narrow beam and shallow draft, has new Herreshoffs triple expansion engines and will speed 20 knots an hour. The tender will accompany the 70-footer wherever it goes, and will be valuable for towing purposes." (Source: Anon. "Second Of Five Steam Yachts. Herreshoffs Launch a Tender, Which is for Com E. D. Morgan." Boston Globe, March 6, 1900, p. 2.)

"(Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.) New York, March 14 [1900]. --- Word has reached New York that Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt has purchased E. D. Morgan's new 'seventy,' [#532s Rainbow] recently launched by the Herreshoffs at Bristol, R. I. Mr. Morgan was one of the first of the New York Yacht Club sailing coterie at Newport to build in the new class of racing cutters, and it was thought his vessel would be conspicuous in Newport waters next season in the races to be arranged for the class. The loss of one of his children has caused him to abandon the sport. Mr. Vanderbilt will race the cutter. [Note: Cornelius Vanderbilt also bought #207p Mirage, the tender to #532s Rainbow.]" (Source: Anon. "Cornelius Vanderbilt's Racer." Baltimore Sun, March 15, 1900, p. 6.)

"Mirage, screw steam yacht 207, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., 1900.
25.78 gross tons, 21 net tons; 75.5 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 7.6 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, March 31, 1900." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Mirage.)

"... Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt were at Bristol Saturday inspecting the new 70-footer [#532s Rainbow] at Herreshoffs' which Mr. Vanderbilt recently bought from ex-Commodore E. D. Morgan. While at Bristol they also made a trial trip aboard Mr. Vanderbilt's new launch, the Mirage, which is to act as tender to his 70-footer. A speed of 23 knots was reported. ..." (Source: Anon. (W. J. H.) "Notes for Yachtsmen." New York Times, April 3, 1900, p. 10.)

"Mr Cornelius Vanderbilt's 70-foot cutter, now being completed at the Herreshoff works at Bristol, has been named the Rainbow [#532s]. Her tonnage is 74 gross and 66 tons net. The 80-foot tender to the Rainbow has been named the Mirage [#207p]. Her tonnage is 30 tons gross and 21 tons net." (Source: Anon. "Table Gossip." New York Times, February 7, 1900, p. 9.)" (Source: Anon. "Table Gossip." Boston Globe, April 22, 1900, p. 38.)
"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 642:]
Mirage, steam screw yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1900.
21 tons; 75.5 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 7.6 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) May 17, 1900. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] June 28, 1902 (enrolled) at Newport. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) Apr. 20, 1907. Owner: same. Master: same. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) July 23, 1907. Owner: Paul J. Rainey of New York, N.Y. Master: George E. Tubbs, Bristol. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) July 31, 1911. Owner: same. Master: S. G. Treworgy. ([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. Mirage.)

"Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., paid a visit to the Herreshoff shops Saturday [July 27, 1901], coming up from Newport in his steam tender Mirage." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, July 30, 1901, p. 2.)

"... Cornelius Vanderbilt's steam yacht Mirage is on the Herreshoff Marine Railway having her outer paint burned off for new coats. ..." (Source: Anon. "Herreshoff Builds Three Crack Yachts. Bristol Expert Devises a Speedy Looking Knockabout for Harold Vanderbilt, and Arethusa and Catspaw for Other Inside Sailors." New York Sunday Telegraph, June 1, 1902, p. B1.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 10 [1903]. --- ... Cornelius Vanderbilt's steam tender Mirage [#207p] of the eighty-one-foot fleet, built here a few years ago, has just had a new condenser at the Herreshoff shops, and, having been put in the water a few days ago, is preparing to leave for New York. ..." (Anon. "The Reliance At Bristol." New York Times, May 11, 1903, p. 7.)

"The steam vacht Mirage, owned by Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt, has left the Herreshoff yard for Rye, N. Y. She has been chartered for the season by Mr. A. E. Whitney, of New York, who has a summer residence at Rye, and will use her in his trips to and from the city. ..." (Source: Young, F. H. "Rhode Island Letter." Forest and Stream, June 4, 1904, p. 468.)

"... 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.)

"... It has been announced ... that Commodore Vanderbilt had joined the class of 57-footers [by ordering #667s Aurora], two of which are being built at Bristol, by the Herreshoffs. These two sloops are one for Mr. Harry F. Lippitt [#664s Winsome], the other for Mr. Geo. M. Pynchon [#663s Istalena]. ... The Herreshoff firm has taken over or otherwise disposed of Commodore Vanderbilt's 70-footer Rainbow [#532s] and her tender Mirage [#207p]. ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachting News Notes." Forest And Stream, January 26, 1907, p. 145.)

"... Morgan Barney of New York, who recently purchased the steam yacht Mirage, built by Herreshoff 15 years ago, is to have the motive power of the craft changed to that of a gasoline engine. The yacht is at Herreshoff's having the boiler and engines removed, and as soon as the gasoline engine is installed the Mirage will leave for Southern waters. ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." Boston Daily Globe, October 31, 1915, p. 58.)

"Mirage, gas yacht, 21 tons, by Charles H. Guye to C. F. Cafferty. ..." (Source: Anon. "Vessel Sales." American Shipping, 1923, [p. 53?].)

"[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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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of 25th re[ceive]d. I have a definite engagement to go away from home week w[hic]h I think will probably prevent my going on to Bristol. If, however, anything interferes with the present plan I will try to go to Bristol [to inspect #207p MIRAGE then under construction]. If I can only manage the absence it is very easy work persuading myself to take a day with you.
Tomorrow we are expecting a family gathering here to last into next week." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37700. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1899-11-28.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of the 8th re[ceive]d this evening.
I saw Mr Belmont a few days since & he liked my Spanish cedar very much.
My seemly[?] was to have a butternut interior [for #207p MIRAGE] so arranged that I could put stuff in the panels surrounded by a gilt[?] rounding[?], you will remember the panels work[?] to be long[?] & a plan[?] of the panelling was to be submitted to me that mis[?] ch[?] & I could change it if necessary before it was started. It has been my intention after seeing the plan to ask you for how much extra you would substitute Spanish cedar for the butternut. Will you kindly send the paneling plan as soon as convenient, also the price of difference bet[ween] butternut & Spanish cedar in steamer & '70' [#532s RAINBOW]. I am hoping to go up soon but as I may be further delayed I trust[?] your word count on it. I have not been to ky[?] yet. The reducing[?] length of cockpit 20in will be a distinct improvement.
In after stateroom I want my washstand at forward end between steerage[?] & back[?] room doors & the place as[?] afen[?] and made vacant to be occupied by a 2nd bureau w[hic]h[?] w[oul]d[?] be[?] necessary for a room to be occupied by 2 people. I also want the bureaus in 2 staterooms adjoining saloon after[?] 4 feet long and placed under sky light as per blue print w[ic]h I am returning & which I see includes some of Mr. Belmont's plan [for #529s MINEOLA]. I see[?] the door[?] comes in nearly[?] in[?]this plan. You are[?] to give me some facts about heavy silon[?] slate or which metals, differences of price, etc.
Electric bell on both boats [#207p MIRAGE and #532s RAINBOW] in 2 rooms adjoining saloon. I want to have the 'closet' and drawer's arrangement same as that in after stateroom all the little things that are so necessary for ones comfort on a boat unless it be on the ground so that I hope I may be able to get on very soon, if not before the Holidays, immediately after.
The saloon settees seem a nice width, 2ft 4in? is it not. I've[?] had a long day in town & am pretty well tired out." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37710. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1899-12-11.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours re[ceive]d this evening. I am glad to hear you are so well on with the 70 [#532s RAINBOW] as that probably means you will have them all out early & prove[?] me a true prophet.
I cannot telly you the name yet but possibly can before launching. We have not yet decided upon it. As soon as you decide upon a date for launching please let me know & if I can go on for it I will.
I did not hear about the mercerized sails yet for Mr. Belmont [#529s MINEOLA] but expect to see him in a day or two. I was quite pleased to learn of your plan of stowing the st[eame]r [#207p MIRAGE] for the winter. I am thinking of finishing my interior Spanish cedar with wax directly on the bare wood but I think I wrote this before. Sorry about the white metal. I have been trying to think what the matter is. I do not want a sailing master. We had a boy born yesterday 3 A.M. with[?] very well so far & I am greatly relieved. Please tell Mrs Herreshoff, she always expresses such kind interest in the children & give her our kindest regards." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37770. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-01-29.)
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"[Item Transcription:] As I wish to enter the boats in the Lloyd's Register and other Yacht Clubs, will you kindly give me the following dimensions of the Cutter [#532s RAINBOW] and Steamer [#207p MIRAGE].
Length overall
Length water line
Extreme breadth
Draft of water
Registered tons
Net tons
Gross tons
Steamer:
No cylinders
Sizes cylinders
Length strike
Registered or nominal horse-power
Type of Engines" (Source: Morgan, E.D. (secr.). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37790. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-01-31.)
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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:
#207p [Length:] 81ft [Planking:] Y[ellow] P[ine] [Delivery:] May 1 [1900] [Owner:] E.D. Morgan (C. Vanderbilt) (MIRAGE)." (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 Transcription:] Yours of 16th re[ceive]d. If I come to any decision about a name [for #207p MIRAGE] I will let you know at once. I had thought you were going to stow her away in the corner of the shop. It will be some time before I need her. Our plans are entirely upset & it will be some time before we make away. Theodore had a strangulation of an intestine. There was no thought of his being seriously ill until 11 A.M. Monday, he died 3:30 P.M.
He had never[?] seized[?] Sunday afternoon with what was thought to be acute indigestion but was supposed to have recovered from it. Mrs Morgan is doing as well as can be expected, the baby very well.
I am sorry to hear about the measles but if it is light is it not well to have it over, The should be some recompense for the anxcily[?]. Remember us kindly to Mrs. Herreshoff, ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37810. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-02-19.)
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"[Item Description:] I was glad to get your note this evening & hear the Bristol news. It has of course been a great disappointment to give up the [New York 70] class [and #532s RAINBOW] that I took so much trouble to start but we had no heart to undertake a Summers racing of such magnitude. I was led to sell the launch [#207p MIRAGE] as it was so much tain[?] as to our way abt[?] to use her next Summer. We may finally decide to go to Newport as being the most expedient but at present we are hoping to think of some more agreeable[?] plan, possibly to the mountains or abroad. I w[oul]d[?] certainly do the latter were I sure my business w[oul]d permit. From all I hear you are doing a big seasons work & I congratulate you heartily as you do not mention them I imagine your family are all well. I would like very much to be able to spend a day with you 7 see all the new boats but am afraid I won't have the chance as I am held up in several ways." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37850. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-04-02.)
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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 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 Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH. Relevant contents:
§14: Work Order '[For] Yachts building. Chain Cables. [When wanted] # 529 - 532 - 533 - 534 [#529s, #532s, #533s, #534s] - #204 [#204p] - 205 [#205p] Ap[ril] 1 [1900]. #531 - 207 [#207p] Ap[ril] 20 [1900]. #204 [#204p] - 205 [#205p] May 1st [1900]. 533 [#533s] - 534 [#534s] May 26 or earlier. All cables of BBB galvanized ...' (1899-12-04)." (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.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten notebook. This booklet had two lives: In 1907-1908, 1908-1909 and 1909-1910 it was used for winter storage records, listing name of boat, owner, storage location, billed amount, and dates of storage. Listed were for the winter of 1907/1908: #235p MIST, ORIANA, #571s LARIKIN, EAGLET, #453s VAQUERO II, #580s TRIVIA, #663s ISTALENA, COSSACK, #666s AVENGER, #220p ATALA (for sale), #207p MIRAGE, #224p EUGENIA, #146p AUGUSTA, #247p SEA URCHIN, #105p COSETTE, ARLINE, #213p FLORENCE, #208p FLORETTE, #249p SISILINA, #591s IROLITA, #481s SPALPEEN, DUCHESS, #669s ELEANOR, #460s KILDEE, #647s CAPRICE, #408s PELICAN, #243p SWIFTSURE, #617s COCK ROBIN, #177p VANISH, #446s ALERION, and #591s IROLITA I, for the winter of 1908/1909: #666s AVENGER, #663s ISTALENA, #481s SPALPEEN, #580s TRIVIA, #617s COCK ROBIN, COSSACK, #177p VANISH, #242p #242, #243p SWIFTSURE, SKIP, #446s ALERION, CHEWINK II, DUCHESS, #571s LARIKIN, #460s KILDEE, #679s PEPITA, EAGLET, #408s PELICAN, #453s VAQUERO, #146p AUGUSTA, #224p EUGENIA, COYOTE, #264p SARAH WEBB, #207p MIRAGE, ARLINE, #213p FLORENCE, #208p FLORETTE, #249p SISILINA, #591s IROLITA I, CASSANDRA 27ft Launch, and #263p CASSANDRA 34ft Launch, and for the winter of 1909/1910: #252p WANECHE (no further boats were listed). At some later time, the same book was turned upside down and inscribed with a new title in ink '200Ft Submarine Destroyer [#191802ep Unbuilt 200ft Submarine Chaser]. Data + Calculation Book. Herreshoff Mfg Co.' on its now-new front cover (formerly its back cover), followed by weight data estimates and calculations for this submarine destroyer." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Notebook. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.087. Box HAFH.6.2B, Folder Submarine Destroyer 200-Footer. 1907-1908, 1908-1909, 1909-1910, 1918-06.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯ ⑰ ⑱ ⑲ ⑳ ㉑ ㉒ ㉓ ㉔ ㉕ ㉖

"[Item Description:] Four handwritten (in ink) pages with tabulated data listing 'Shop No', 'Name', '[Tons] Gross' and '[Tons] Net' for a total of 100 HMCo-built boats and classes. Tonnage data is usually precise to two digits behind the decimal. Random comparisons suggest source of tonnage data to be official Custom House data. Boats mentioned are: #664s, #663s, #625s, #665s, #634s, #658s, #657s, #646s, #641s, #617s, #626s Class, #624s, #621s, #616s, #619s, #590s, #591s, #586s, #592 Class, #618s, #605s, #578s, #560s Class, #580s, #553s, #551s, #552s, #546s, #541s, #545s, #538s, #534s, #533s, #532s, #529s, #534s, #530s, #531s, #435s, #437s, #452s, #499s, #429s, #426s, #424s, #481s, #422s, #417s, #414s, #451s, #215p, #213p, #222p, #235p, #230p, #229p, #236p, #224p, #244p, #247p, #249p, #231p, #232p, #228p, #252p, #250p, #251p, #248p, #168p, #164p, #118p, #142p, #174p, #173p, #194p, #189p, #193p, #183p, #178p, #179p, #181p, #182p, #175p, #163p, #148p, #149p, #172p, #155p, #170p, #186p, #188p, #206p, #207p, #205p, #208p, #209p, #210p, #211p, #212p, #216p. Undated (the latest boat listed, WINSOME, was launched in 1907)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Handwritten List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00220. Folder [no #]. No date (1907 or later).)
① ② ③ ④

"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (mostly in pencil but also in ink) trials booklet titled '1898 - 1909'. Relevant contents:
§8: #207p MIRAGE [TENDER FOR #532s RAINBOW] Trial Run mean speed 17.99kn = 20.7mph (1900-03-30 & 1899-03-31)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE09_00060. Folder [no #]. 1898-09 to 1911-04.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯ ⑰ ⑱ ⑲ ⑳ ㉑ ㉒ ㉓ ㉔ ㉕ ㉖ ㉗ ㉘ ㉙ ㉚ ㉛ ㉜ ㉝ ㉞ ㉟ ㊱ ㊲ ㊳ ㊴ ㊵ ㊶ ㊷ ㊸ ㊹ ㊺ ㊻ ㊼ ㊽ ㊾ ㊿
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪

Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #207p Mirage [Tender for #532s Rainbow] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Mirage (HMCo-made index card)
• Mirage (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: Mirage
Type: Steam
Length: 81'
Owner: Morgan, E. D.

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

• Mirage
• 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: Mirage
Type: 81' steamer
Owner: E. D. Morgan
Year: 1900
Row No.: 438

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.: 207
Name: Mirage
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.

"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.)

"Built in 113 days (setup to launch; equivalent to 531 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"In the absence of better available data displacement was estimated by using the figure for Gross Register Tons (30) from the 1902 Manning's American Yacht List (Net Register Tons were reported as 21) and converting to lbs by dividing through 2000 (short tons). Note that this figure can only be a rough estimate because register tons as reported in Yacht Registers correlate only loosely with actual displacement figures." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2015.)

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