HMCo #499s Columbia

"[1899-01-09] Mon 9: ... Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here in afternoon. Overcast [with] mod[erate] SW to W [wind]. ...
[1899-01-20] Fri 20: Very fine. Calm [in] AM, l[igh]t SW in PM. Harbor frozen over this AM. Attempted pouring lead for #499 [Columbia] but abandoned it.
[1899-01-23] Mon 23: Very fine & mild. L[igh]t SW & calm. ... Began bending frames for #499 [Columbia].
[1899-01-24] Tue 24: Fair & calm [in] AM. Mod[erate] SSW & rain [in] PM. Cast lead keel for #499 [Columbia] in 7 h[ours] 20 m[inutes], everything working well. 2 melting pots used. Run about 170,000 lbs.
[1899-01-31] Tue 31: Cold & l[igh]t snow. NNE [wind]. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here. ...
[1899-02-02] Thu 2: Fair [with] l[igh]t variable wind becoming fresh NW & colder in evening. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] & Shaw[?] here.
[1899-02-18] Sat 18: Fog and rain all day. L[igh]t S [wind]. Re[ceive]d several carloads of plates & angles & bronze for #499 [Columbia]. ...
[1899-02-20] Mon 20: Very fine. L[igh]t S to SW [wind] all day. Clear most of time. Mild. Set up 16 frames on keel of #499 [Columbia].
[1899-02-21] Tue 21: Very fine. Nearly calm all day. Clear part of time. Mild. Part of stem set up for 499 [Columbia].
[1899-02-27] Mon 27: Very heavy SE gale last night. Moderate out of NW[?]. Ice nearly all broken up and some[?] dissolving[?]. ... 17 frames up on #499 [Columbia]. ...
[1899-02-28] Tue 28: Very fine. Fresh NW [wind] early & calm at noon. Fresh SSW [wind in] PM. Clear. 21 frames up [on] #297[sic, i.e. #499s Columbia. #297 would be the crew launch for St. Y. Wayfarer which was built only in 1914]. ...
[1899-03-01] Wed 1: Very fine [with] l[igh]t SW & NW [wind]. Mostly clear. ... 30 frames up [on] #499 [Columbia].
[1899-03-07] Tue 7: A heavy NE storm set in early in morn[ing] with snow, hail & rain. Fine at mid-day with S wind. Towards night, snowing with wind backing to backing to NE & N. Rec[eived] carload of steel plates from Lukens. Began plating #499 [Columbia].
[1899-03-15] Wed 15: SE [wind] increasing (?), storm in evening. Very high tide. 7 plates on #499 [Columbia].
[1899-03-17] Fri 17: Cold morning at 19deg. Strong N [wind] & clear. 14 plates on #499 [Columbia].
[1899-03-18] Sat 18: Overcast [in] AM. Began snowing to ESE. Rain & snow all day. ... 19 plates on #499 [Columbia]. ...
[1899-03-21] Tue 21: Fair & cold. (20deg. at 7AM). NW [wind] ch[anging] to W & SW. About 24 plates on no. 499 [Columbia].
[1899-03-23] Thu 23: NE [wind] with rain, backing to N in PM. Hail at 4:30. ... 28 plates on #499 [Columbia].
[1899-03-31] Fri 31: Strong WNW [wind]. Cold & clear. 40 plates on #499 [Columbia].
[1899-04-02] Sun 2: Gale [from the] NNW & cold. ... 46 plates on #499 [Columbia].
[1899-04-05] Wed 5: Fair & clear [with] strong NE [wind] all day. ... Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here, ...
[1899-04-07] Fri 7: SSW [wind] backing to SE in PM. SE rain storm set in in evening. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here. ...
[1899-04-08] Sat 8: Fair & warmer after strong SE rain storm. SSW. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] & Stillman here. ...
[1899-04-14] Fri 14: Fair & mild. L[igh]t S to SE [wind &] overcast. ... #499 is named Columbia.
[1899-04-15] Sat 15: Very fine & warm. NW [wind in] AM, variable in PM. ... 69-1/2 plates on #499 [Columbia], 59-1/2 bronze & 10 deck stringers. Riveting following close. Part of deck & (?) (?), angles in place.
[1899-05-02] Tue 2: Mod[erate] SW to SE [wind &] warm and damp. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here. ...
[1899-05-03] Wed 3: Very heavy NE gale, moderating in afternoon. Much cooler. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate], Leeds & Parker here.
[1899-05-04] Thu 4: Very fine [with] variable wind. ... Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] ... here.
[1899-05-14] Sun 14: Very fine & clear [with] fresh NW [wind]. Schooner with spars [for #499s Columbia and #510s Petrel] arrives from Boston. ...
[1899-05-17] Wed 17: Very fine. Plating all [finished] on #499 [Columbia] and about 4/5 riveted. ...
[1899-05-20] Sat 20: Cool [with] fresh N [wind]. Began polishing hull of #499 [Columbia]. ...
[1899-05-24] Wed 24: Very fine. Calm in AM. Fresh SSW [in] PM. ... Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here. ...
[1899-06-06] Tue 6: Very fine (?) SW (?), changing to NW [wind], with temp[?] of 90deg. in PM. ... Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here.
[1899-06-10] Sat 10: Very fine. ... Launch of Columbia [#499s] occurred in evening with fatal accident on wharf [when a boy was killed by the explosion of a photographer's flash powder]. ...
[1899-06-13] Tue 13: Very fine [with] fresh SSW [wind] in PM. Hauled out Defender [#452s] for cleaning and in afternoon stepped mast in Columbia [#499s]. Mr. Iselin ordered steel mast for Columbia.
[1899-06-22] Thu 22: Very fine. Fresh N to NE [wind in] AM. SW [wind in] PM. Clear. Have[?] gaff on & standing rigging all up in Columbia [#499s].
[1899-06-23] Fri 23: Strong SSW [wind] all day. Bent mainsail on Columbia [#499s] and most of work finished.
[1899-06-24] Sat 24: Very fine & warm [in] AM. SW & H[eav]y thunderstorm in PM with h[eav]y rain. Drought broken. 1st rain of (?) since May 29th. Hauled Columbia [#499s] away from dock & grounded.
[1899-06-25] Sun 25: Fair [in] AM. T[hunder] & L[ightning] with rain rest of day. Successful trial of Columbia [#499s] under sail. ...
[1899-06-26] Mon 26: Very fine [with] l[igh]t NW & SW [wind]. Clear & warm. Turned over Columbia [#499s] to Mr. Iselin & she departed.
[1899-07-31] Mon 31: Very fine. Mod[erate] NW [wind] & warm. Columbia [#499s] here and hoisted[?] mast to square[?] spreaders.
[1899-08-02] Wed 2: Very fine [with] fresh SSW [wind]. Went to Newport in Squib [#188p] & joined Columbia [#499s] (?) (?) (?). Columbia broke steel mast & topmast.
[1899-08-03] Thu 3: Very fine. Light variable[?]. Took steel mast out of Columbia [#499s] to repair[?].
[1899-08-04] Fri 4: Fair. Stepped wood mast in Columbia [#499s]. ...
[1899-08-05] Sat 5: Fair & warm. Columbia [#499s] left afternoon[?]. ... Fine afternoon.
[1899-09-30] Sat 30: NW [wind] & cool. Left home with Caddie at 6:30 PM in F[all] R[iver Line] for N.Y. to attend Cup races between Shamrock & Columbia [#499s].
[1899-10-01] Sun 1: Fine & cold [with] NW [wind] & clear. Arrived at NY on Puritan at 7:15. 1st visited Columbia [#499s] at N[avy] Yard drydock ...
[1899-10-02] Mon 2: Very cold. N [wind] & clear. Heavy frost. ... Took part in measurement of Columbia [#499s] & Shamrock on behalf of Mr. Iselin & left in PM for Sandy Hook on St. Michaels.
[1899-10-04] Wed 4: Very fine & clear. Fine WSW wind. At work on various things on Columbia [#499s] ...
[1899-10-06] Fri 6: NE rain storm Columbia [#499s] & [tender] St. Michaels towed up to Bay Ridge for better harbor. Am aboard St. Michaels all day. Wind strong N & clearing in PM.
[1899-10-16] Mon 16: 1st race for Cup completed & won by Columbia [#499s] by 11 m[inutes] 7 s[econds]. I went to Sandy Hook & by tug W. B. Hint[?] & boarded about 9. Moderate E wind & scotch mist.
[1899-10-20] Fri 20: 3rd & final race for Cup sailed and won handsomely by Columbia [#499s]. Strong breeze N by E & clear. Went off S by W going a little before the wind, but back under lower sails with a long lead. ...
[1899-12-01] Fri 1: Very fine & calm. Mr. Iselin [of the #499s Columbia syndicate] here in afternoon.
[1901-02-10] Sun 10: Strong gale [from the] NW. Clear & cold. St[eame]r Meteor[?] took away Columbia's [#499s] inside fittings. ...
[1901-06-10] Mon 10: Fine, warm & clear. Mod[erate] NW [wind]. Columbia [#499s] arrives at 5:45, having left Hempstead Bay at 5AM.
[1901-06-30] Sun 30: Very fine & hot [with] SW [to?] W [wind]. Mr. [E. D.] Morgan here in Park City [tender to #499s Columbia] in PM.
[1901-07-01] Mon 1: Very fine & hot. Fresh SW [wind]. Race of NYYC for 90 footers at Newport. Constitution [#551s] lost cringle of jib thereby losing [the] race. Columbia [#499s] won by small margin. Francis went with her.
[1901-07-03] Wed 3: Very fine. Fresh SW [wind &] hot. 2nd race of NYYC. Columbia's [#499s] martingale bent up & she retired, so Constitution [#551s] gave up. Squall in PM and I got wet crossing.
[1901-07-04] Thu 4: Very fine [with] light wind. Mr. [E. D.] Morgan here in Park City [tender to #499s Columbia] & got new martingale.
[1901-07-08] Mon 8: Fine [with] light N & SW [wind]. 2nd Newport (?) race won by Constitution [#551s]. Beat Columbia [#499s] [by] 30 s[econds] and Independence [by] 1 [minute] 23 [seconds]. ...
[1901-08-31] Sat 31: Fine [with] mod[erate] S [wind]. First trial race between Constitution [#551s] & Columbia [#499s]. Won by latter.
[1901-09-02] Mon 2: Went to Newport to sail in Constitution's [#551s] 2nd trial. Won by Columbia [#499s]. L[igh]t SE [wind]. Did not finish course. ...
[1901-09-04] Wed 4: 3rd trial race. Won by Columbia [#499s] by a few seconds. Fog in AM but clear & fine in PM with mod[erate] SW breeze.
[1901-09-05] Thu 5: The Cup committee have [sic] chosen Columbia [#499s] to defend the Cup. Very warm [with] l[igh]t SW [wind].
[1901-09-10] Tue 10: Fair & cool [with] l[igh]t NE [wind] ch[anging] to S in PM & overcast. Columbia [#499s] here for gear.
[1901-09-28] Sat 28: Very fine. Columbia [#499s] beat Shamrock II in 1st Cup race. ...
[1901-10-03] Thu 3: H[eav]y rain last night. Clearing in AM with fresh NNW [wind]. Columbia [#499s] beat Shamrock II in 2nd Cup race. ...
[1901-10-04] Fri 4: Very fine & cool. Mod[erate] NW [wind]. Columbia [#499s] beat Shamrock II in 3rd race and the cup is held. ...
[1903-04-25] Sat 25: Very fine. L[igh]t NW [wind in] AM. Lt. NW [wind in] AM. SSW [wind] in PM. Had very successful trial of Reliance [#605s]. Columbia [#499s] here. ...
[1903-04-27] Mon 27: Very fine. Work on Reliance [#605s] & Columbia [#499s]. Columbia at wharf.
[1903-04-30] Thu 30: Very fine. SSW [wind]. Columbia [#499s] left." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1899 to 1903. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"[NGH reply to a letter by E. D. Morgan dated November 9, 1903 asking his opinion about converting Columbia into a yawl for racing in British waters:] You know I have always a good opinion of Columbia. I doubt very much if they have a faster boat on the other side of her size, but she would have to give Buna[?] a lot of time allowance due to the peculiarities in their time allowance tables. I have no doubt but what Columbia could be made into a a tiptop yawl. The reduction of draft could be very easily made and adding a little more ballast inside than would be taken from the keel would keep her stiff without increasing the wetted surface. As to the suggestion of a schooner & if she were ballasted a little deeper, making her somewhat over 90' lwl and a good sized rig given her, I should think she ought to give time to Ingomar [#590s]. As to what she would do with what may be afloat in England in[?] next[?] year I am unable[?] to say.
I think you know I am not enthusiastic of us sending any boat over to race in British waters and I also donot approve of long ocean races. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael Greene. [Letter to E. D. Morgan.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 75 (new), 61 (old). November, 1903.)

"Jan 15, 1905
Dear Mr. Bacon,
Since our conversation the other morning about COLUMBIA [#499s], I have been expecting to hear from you and not hearing I rather infer you have given up the project [of racing her in the German Emperor's 1905 trans-Atlantic Race], and hope you have. However, I have been thinking over what might be done with the boat to make her useful as a cruiser in case [her owner] Mr. [J.P.] Morgan wanted to do anything to her.
I believe COLUMBIA might be made a good yacht of either sloop (with reduced rig), yawl or schooner, as desired, by re-rigging, strengthening the hull and cutting off the bottom of the lead, so to reduce the draft to not over 17 feet and stowing part of ballast inside. These changes would be of a permanent nature, and thus after these were done if a trans-Atlantic trip was contemplated other temporary strengthening could be done for the voyage.
If this work is desired we could do it, taking the vessel into our shop early in March or as soon as the ice is clear, and proceed with it immediately if the plans are matured before hand so that material could be got and the work on spars, rigging & sails underway in advance.
Yours sincerely
NGH. [See also letter from Robert Bacon dated February 4, 1905 informing NGH that COLUMBIA won't be entered into the trans-Atlantic Race.]" (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. [Letter to Robert Bacon.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 50 (new). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff. January 15, 1905.)

"The new boat [Columbia] was ordered by J. Pierpont Morgan, as principal owner, and 'Ollie' Iselin as managing owner, and was set up, after DEFENDER'S repairs were completed, on the same steel cradle and was launched early in May 1899, with great acclaim, and named COLUMBIA. She was wholly plated with bronze and had a pine deck, of course, well reinforced with steel straps and stringers. She had a light hull, but it never indicated weakness or had repairs. [She] was considered a very fine looking vessel and became a favorite of the public. Mr. Iselin had Charles Barr as skipper, this time, and Butler Duncan was in charge of DEFENDER. COLUMBIA proved only a little faster than DEFENDER and was selected as the defender. I sailed in her during most of her racing, but seldom steered her, Barr being a most proficient helmsman. She won out handsomely. ...
[In 1901] Commodore E. D. Morgan had taken COLUMBIA to fit out as a trial vessel to CONSTITUTION. He took Charlie Barr for skipper and got together the best crew they could, men of merit, disregarding nationality. 'Altie' Morgan formulated strict rules and penalties against any error or neglect of any of the crew and had everything about the yacht in the best condition.
... In the first two races, CONSTITUTION showed her ability to beat COLUMBIA quite easily. ... Barr and his crew proved too much for Rhodes and [the] crew of CONSTITUTION, and would get the best of them every time, until they got thoroughly demoralized. So COLUMBIA was chosen by the Committee to defend the Cup, which she did for the second time, but with very little margin, for this SHAMROCK, designed by Watson, was the best yacht England had sent over. ...
Both CONSTITUTION and COLUMBIA were fitted out for trial craft [in 1903] and they made a noble trio.
RELIANCE proved always faster to windward and before the wind, but not any faster in reaching, and in fact, not as fast as CONSTITUTION. This could not be explained, for due to a much longer bilge line and longer useful length due to extreme overhangs, it was expected this would be her best point of sailing. These trials demonstrated CONSTITUTION to be faster than COLUMBIA, as was indicated in their early meetings." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Some of the Boats I Have Sailed In." Written 1934. In: Pinheiro, Carlton J. (ed.). Recollections and Other Writings by Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Bristol, 1998, p. 64-67, 70.)

"Of course the most important design of Captain Nat's in the late Gay Nineties was the cup defender 'Columbia.' ... 'Columbia' is often considered the best of Captain Nat's designs, or at least the best of his cup boats, but as a matter of fact she was not a radical improvement over her predecessor, 'Defender,' for she was much the same model and construction. However, she did have a hollow steel mast, gaff, and boom, and her plating was bronze below water and steel above. To be sure 'Columbia' had longer overhangs and no rocker at the bottom of her keel. She was really a refined and perfected 'Defender.' Her framework and general construction were the same ..." (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. 205, 206.)

"... Captain Nat acted as second captain on 'Columbia,' as he had on 'Vigilant' and 'Defender,' and actually steered her part of the time." (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. 208.)

"The work of laying down the new cup defender on the scribing board was begun yesterday afternoon by H P. Whitman who laid down Defender [#452s] and Colonia [#435s]. Mr. Whitman was also laying out plans for the big lead keel, which will be of the bulb pattern, like that of the Defender, but of slightly larger mould. Mr Whitman up to a late hour was at work on the bow of the new boat, and this work will take several days at least." (Source: Anon. "Defender Arrives In Bristol. She Arrived Yesterday Morning at Her Native Home After an Absence of Three Years." Bristol Phoenix, November 4, 1898, p. 3.)

"A great deal of nonsense has been printed in regard to Columbia but the story that she will be launched in 'petticoats,' that is with her underbody draped in canvas, to prevent observation of her lines, is one of the most ridiculous we have ever seen. The Messrs. Herreshoff never take the trouble to deny any of these 'pipe stones,' but we are in a position to state that the only reason for launching Columbia as late as 8 o'clock tomorrow is that the tide is sufficiently high at that time, and she will be hardly ready to go over board, as far as the work on her is concerned, an hour before that the public will be admitted to the wharf as usual, though, of course, no fireworks or flash lights [sic!] will be allowed on the wharves on account of the danger of fire. No effort will be made to restrain those who care to experiment with photograph by artificial light from the water." (Source: Anon. [Editorial.] Bristol Phoenix, June 9, 1899, p. 2.)

"Amid the discharge of guns from the yachts in the harbor, the cheers of the thousands of spectators, and the frequent 'pouf' of ignited flash light powder, as photographers caught her lines, Columbia, embodying the genius of America's foremost naval designer and the hopes of all American yachtsmen, went slowly but gracefully into her native element Saturday evening [June 10, 1899] from the Herreshoff shops.
Chief of Police Hoard threw open the gates at the north wharf at 7 45 and the surging mass of humanity that had collected rushed wildly down the entrance usually sacred to the Herreshoff employees and eagerly lined up in advantageous positions. Near the end of the wharf were anchored the steamer Corsair and several smaller craft having on board many photographers with their large cameras and flash light apparatus leveled on the stern of Columbia which showed up well in the white glare of two calcium lights operated by L L Anderstrom on the stern of the steamer St Michaels which was tied up across the head of the south wharf. The lights were ordered by C Oliver Iselin, and Columbia instead of being draped in canvas 'petticoats' came out just as she was built, in the dazzling light, moving majestically as if proud of her graceful lines. It was at 8 13 when the cry went up, 'Here she comes,' and the word 'Columbia' could be seen below the taffrail gradually drawing near the outer doors. At this moment Mrs C Oliver Iselin who was standing on a platform near the bow broke a bottle of American champagne on the stem saying 'I christen thee Columbia!'
There was no rush over well greased ways as has been the case when other cup defenders were launched. Instead of sliding into the water Columbia was lowered in a steel cradle which ran on iron wheels on the marine railway built last fall. The cradle and its precious burden was controlled by a cable attached to a powerful steam windlass inside the shop. So slowly was the cable unwound that it was five minutes after the stern appeared before the keel struck the water, and ten minutes more was consumed before Columbia was successfully floated. The cradle was then drawn back into the shop and Columbia was turned around and tied up to the north wharf. When the long overhanging stern first cleared the shop one of her crew who had been lying on the deck sprang up and erected an American yachting ensign.
When the midship section appeared the colors of Mr Morgan above those of Mr Iselin were seen flying on a short jury mast, and at the bow was the flag of the New York Yacht Club. As soon as the craft was full out of the shop someone on the St Michaels proposed 'three cheers for the Columbia,' and they were given heartily from thousands of throats. Then the form of Capt 'Nat' Herreshoff was seen among the crew and employees on deck and one of the invited guests on the south wharf shouted, 'Three cheers for Nat Herreshoff!' They were given with a will, and the great designer doffed his hat in acknowledgment.
The launching as it occurred Saturday evening was not as exciting as when the yacht slides rapidly into the water, but it was much more satisfying to those who were curious to see just how Columbia looked, the secrecy maintained concerning her construction since the lead keel was run Jan 24th having whetted the public appetite to the utmost. The launching in the evening was also vastly more picturesque than it could possibly hare been in the day time, the dark harbor thickly doted with gaily lighted boats making a background resembling fairy land, while the play of the calcium lights on the daring white of the topsides and the glittering bronze of the underbody, made an effect truly theatrical." (Source: Anon. "Columbia Launched. She Slid Slowly Into The Water Shortly After Eight O'clock Saturday Evening." Bristol Phoenix, June 13, 1899, p. 2.)

"One Boy Killed, Five Others Seriously Injured, and Several Persons Cut and Bruised --- Terrific Explosion of Flashlight Powder, Used by a Photographer, the Cause --- Every Doctor In Town Kept Busy for Several Hours Attending to the Injured.
Bristol people have cause to long remember the launching of the cup defender, Columbia, for incidental to it, yet in no way connected with the boat or its builders, there occurred one of those accidents, entirely unforeseen and unexpected, which sometimes happen on occasions of large gatherings of people. The accident caused the death of one boy, serious injuries to five others, and cut and bruised a number of other persons, the names of some of whom could not be learned, as they were not attended by physicians.
The Killed And Injured.
Killed.
Napoleon San Souci. 11, skull crushed, legs badly crushed.
Injured.
George Balfour, 12, cut severely on head.
Luke Callan, 11, legs badly lacerated.
Willie Siddall, 11, lacerated legs and deep wound in back.
John Walsh, adult, ear split.
George Bellmore, 10, slight scalp wound.
Isadore Shermilka, 10, knees lacerated.
John O'Neil, adult, five cuts on left leg.
Walter Dawson, Providence, cut about the head.
A number of other persons were slightly injured, whose names are either unknown or are withheld. These were not given medical attention.
The fatal accident was caused by an explosion of flashlight powder used by a photographer to get a picture of the Columbia as she slowly moved out of the south shop into the water.
High up on the coal tramway on the north wharf, where nearly a thousand people had crowded to see the launching, a number of boys and men had climbed to get a good view of the boat. This spot was also chosen by Photographer Mills from the studio of Thomas Mills & Son of Providence, as an advantageous point from which to get a flashlight photograph of the launching. Three men besides Mr Mills were located there with two cameras and all the apparatus necessary for the work Mr Mills assistants were L J Kenning, who operated the camera, and Walter Dawson and Edward Lagrange, who had charge of the flashlight preparation. Everything was made ready, and as the cup defender glided slowly out of the shop the word was given to light the fuse connected with the powder to make the flashlight. Previous to this words of warning had been given to those near by on the tramway to look out for themselves, and shut their eyes when the flash came, to save themselves from being blinded by the sudden bright light. No other result was anticipated than a quick brilliant flash, as had often been done by these men before one of the men blew a horn as a warning just before the match was applied to the fuse. The flash came in a few seconds, followed by a terrific and deafening explosion which shook the wharf and everybody on it, lifting many people completely off their feet. Everybody in the immediate vicinity felt the force of the shock more or less. Women fainted and were helped away and others were temporarily blinded and deafened, and some could scarcely get their breath for a few seconds after the thunderous report one of the government torpedo boats from Newport was stationed just off the north side of the wharf, and most people thought the report came from one of the guns of this boat, as a salute to the maiden dip of the new cup defender. A din of steam whistles, horns and small guns accompanied the first appearance of the Columbia, and consequently the loud report from the explosion was naturally at first regarded as an intentional addition to the general salutation. It was fully five minutes before it became generally known that a serious accident had occurred. All sorts of reports were flying about as to the extent of the accident, the first story being that someone had been blown overboard. The truth was far worse, however. A commotion was apparent in the vicinity...
... There are a number of theories as to the cause of the terrible explosion of the flashlight powder, but the true cause may not be known until a thorough investigation is made, which will be the case if an inquest should be ordered, which it is probable will be done. Medical Examiner Williams communicated with Attorney General Tanner about the matter, and the latter has given permission for an autopsy to be held on the body of the San Souci boy. ...
The people of Bristol have seldom been so stirred and excited over an event as was the case Saturday evening, when the full extent of the terrible accident became generally known. The streets were thronged with people until a late hour, and no other subject occupied their attention. Little groups were gathered along Hope street and in other parts of town discussing the details of the sad affair, and expressing regret at its occurrence. The launching of the Columbia, which before had been uppermost in all minds, seemed to be almost entirely forgotten for the time. ..." (Source: Anon. "Shocking Accident. Incidental to the Launching of Columbia Saturday Evening." Bristol Phoenix, June 13, 1899, p. 2.)

"Columbia, sloop yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., 1899
145.32 gross tons, 118.59 net tons; 104.8 ft. x 24.2 ft. x 18 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, June 17, 1899." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Columbia.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 197:]
Columbia, sloop yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1899.
145 gross tons, 118 net tons; 104.8 ft. x 24.2 ft. x 18 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) June 21, 1899. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: C. 0. Iselin.
Surrendered [license] Dec. 21, 1915 at New York, vessel broken up. ([Record at:] N[ational] A[rchives, Washington])." (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. Columbia.)

"The action of the New York Yacht Club committee yesterday in selecting the Columbia [#499s] to again defend America's cup, is a source of great disappointment to Bristol people, and there is also a feeling that the Constitution [#551s] was at least entitled to one or two more trials against the champion of '99 before the decision was reached. There is no doubt that the Columbia is in far better trim for racing than is the Constitution, and it is also doubtless true that the older boat has the better crew, both in discipline and racing performance, but Bristol people are by no means convinced that Mr. Herreshoff has failed to improve on Columbia in the design and sailing qualities of Constitution and it is the general opinion that, on equal footing the new yacht is much the faster boat. At any rate we believe the cup is safe." (Source: Anon. [Editorial] Bristol Phoenix, September 6, 1901, p. 2.)

"... A very large number of visitors were in town Sunday [April 26, 1903] to see the new cup defender and from early morning until nearly sundown, Hope street from the foot of Summer street to Walley street, was lined with them. They had an opportunity to compare the new yacht with Colombia [#499s], the cup winner, which arrived in the harbor Saturday afternoon and was at anchor all day Sunday off the shops. Yesterday the Columbia was hauled into the slip at Herreshoffs. Her sails were taken to the loft. ..." (Source: Anon. "Reliance's Trial Spins. Very Satisfactory Trip Made Saturday and Sunday by New Cup Defender. Columbia Here." Bristol Phoenix, April 28, 1903, p. 1.)

"The new cup defender Reliance [#605s] was turned over to the syndicate Tuesday [April 28, 1903] afternoon by her builders, the Herreshoff company. ... The yacht left here about 6 o'clock Tuesday evening in tow of her tender, steamer Sunbeam, for Newport.
... The cup winner Columbia [#499s] left here yesterday morning for Newport and will also go up the sound. While here the yacht's sails received alterations." (Source: Anon. "New Cup Defender Reliance." Bristol Phoenix, May 1, 1903, p. 3.)

"... The Columbia has rested on the stocks at City Island for a trifle more than ten years. She is reported to be in excellent condition, and can be placed in commission with comparatively little expense. ..." (Source: Anon. "Columbia To Sail Again." New York Times, October 24, 1913, p. 9.)

"... The famous sloop Columbia, which twice successfully defended the America Cup, has been sold to a restaurant proprietor in New York and portions or her bronze hull and aluminum deck will be distributed us souvenirs to diners. Since the Columbia was used as trial boat against the Reliance, in 1903, she has been hauled out at City Island...." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 20, 1915, p. 59.)

"The famous America's Cup defender, Columbia, which twice successfully defended the trophy, has been sold by J.P. Morgan to P.A. Gage. The terms of the sale are not known except to the parties interested in the purchase. The Columbia, when built, cost approximately $125,000 and is the only yacht built for the purpose of defending the cup to win twice in international competition for the famous yachting trophy. ..." (Source: Anon. "Morgan Sells Columbia. Famous America's Cup Defender Now the Property of P.A. Gage." New York Times, August 4, 1915, p. 13.)

"PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 6 [195]. --- The yacht Columbia, which twice successfully defended the America's Cup, has been consigned to the scrap heap in this city and the steel frame, leaden keel, and brass fittings will be converted into missiles of warfare for the European belligerents. The keel alone weighs 100 tons.
The Columbia, which lowered the colors of Sir Thomas Lipton's Shamrocks I. and II., respectively, in 1899 and 1901, recently was dismantled at City Island, L. I., and shipped to a manufacturing concern here. The boat is said to have cost the New York Yacht Club, its original owner, more than $300,000." (Source: Anon. "Columbia On Scrapheap. Cup Yacht Fittings to be Converted Into Ammunition for the War." New York Times, August 7, 1915, p. 8.)

"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] Typewritten (carbon copy) table titled 'Memorandum' with penciled additions listing boats built 1898/1899 with columns labeled 'No.', 'W.L.', 'Rig', 'To deliver', followed in some cases by penciled data for Boat Name and Actual Delivery Date. Relevant contents:
#499s COLUMBIA [W.L.:] 90ft [Rig:] Sloop. Keel. [To deliver:] June 1st [1899]. [Note:] Cup defender." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator) and Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Memorandum. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01300. Folder [no #]. No date (1898-04 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and displacement curve titled '2nd trial. Aug[ust] 25 [18]98. 90ft w.l. [#499s COLUMBIA]'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 52164.0cuft = 335000lbs = 149.5 gross tons = 167.5 tons net. On verso another set of penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations titled '1st trial. Aug[ust] 24[?] [18]98. 90ft w.l. Scale 3/8'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_04870. Folder [no #]. 1898-08-25.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and displacement curves titled '3rd [trial]. Aug[ust] 27 [1898]. 90ft w.l. design [#499s COLUMBIA]'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 5163.75cuft = 332500lbs = 148.55 tons gross tons net." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_09830. Folder [no #]. (1898)-08-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten (carbon copy) specifications titled 'Specifications for a racing sloop yacht being No. 499 [#499s COLUMBIA] on the list of The Herreshoff Mfg. Co.'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator). Specifications. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01350. Folder [no #]. No date (1898-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten (carbon copy) specifications titled 'Specifications for a racing sloop yacht being No. 499 [#499s COLUMBIA] on the list of The Herreshoff Mfg. Co.'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator). Specifications. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02360. Folder [no #]. No date (1898-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections with pinpricks and calculations titled '4th [trial]. Sept 10 [18]98. ab[out?] 89.5 w.l. [#499s COLUMBIA] 1st model. not used'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0611. WRDT08, Folder 46. 1898-09-10.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations for #499s COLUMBIA titled '2nd trial. Sept[ember] 24 [18]98. 89 1/2ft w.l.'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_09810. Folder [no #]. 1898-09-24.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations for #499s COLUMBIA titled '3rd trial. Sept[ember] 25, [18]98. 89 1/2ft w.l. 2nd model'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0610. WRDT08, Folder 46. 1898-09-25.)
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"[Item Description:] Lead ballast cutout titled '2nd model [apparently for #499s COLUMBIA]. Oct [18]98'." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. (creator). Lead Ballast Cutout. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_09890. Folder [no #]. 1898-10.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled diagram titled 'Stability Curves. Oct 1898'. Labeled 'Foot Tons' on the y-axis and 'Degrees, angle of heel' on the x-axis. With stability curves for VIGILANT [#437s], DEFENDER [#452s], and [Model] No 1 and [Model] No 2 [for #499s COLUMBIA] plus a penciled curve, added later for the #711 class [NY50]." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. (creator). Stability Curves. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0600. WRDT08, Folder 45. 1898-10.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections, displacement curve, lead ballast calculations, radials and table with detailed displacement and stability calculations. Titled '4th trial. Final. (model finished[?]). Oct 5th [18]98. 89 1/2 w.l. 2nd model. #499 [COLUMBIA]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0598. WRDT08, Folder 45. 1898-10-05.)
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"[Item Description:] Blueprint detail plan (HMCo Plan 90-40) titled 'Rudder Post for #499 COLUMBIA'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0159. WRDT08, Folder 14, formerly MRDE02. 1898-12-01.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and tracing marks titled 'Measurements to check disp[lacement] and c.g. [center of gravity]. Dec[ember] 16 [18]98. Model has shrunk a large amount since made. #499 [COLUMBIA]'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 5020.75cuft = 325500lbs." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_09870. Folder [no #]. 1898-12-16.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled dimensioned sketch titled '#499s [COLUMBIA] Awnings'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0255. WRDT04, Folder 23, formerly MRDE08. No date (1899 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink) memorandum stamped 'Feb[ruary] 25 1899:] Memo.
Sails ordered.
1898 Oct[ober] 25. Mainsail. [For yacht] CORNELIA.
1899 Jan[uary] 21. Mainsail. [For yacht] 15ft boat built for C.M. Baker [#488s ALPHA] or King [#489s OMEGA].
1899 Feb[ruar]y 3. Mainsail. Racing Staysail. Racing jib. [For yacht] DEFENDER. [#452s]
1899 Feb[ruar]y 3. Mainsail. # 1 Staysail. # 1 Jib. # 2 Jib topsail. # 3 jib topsail. Making topsail ? [For yacht] #499 [COLUMBIA]
1899 Feb[ruar]y 25. Mainsail. Jib. [For yacht] JILT [#493s]." (Source: Hereshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Memorandum. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01310. Folder [no #]. 1899-02-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] My dear Nat
I have been confined to the house for two months, and as I do not remember that in forty years before this happened to me for over one day you may suppose that it has gone rather hard with me. The only comfort I have had has been the fact that it has been such a horrible, beastly winter here that I would have been very uncomfortable if I had been well enough to go out.
I was delighted to get your letter and to hear that you had been so busy, and that everything was going on so satisfactorily. I was surprised to hear of the number of little fellows that you had got through with this winter [apparently a reference to the Buzzards Bay 15-footers then under construction]. I don't [p. 2] see how you accomplished it. You must have worked faster than you did on that little chap you had in the North shop while I was with you and that result of 16 miles is truly remarkable.
Those little toy engines must be daintiest[?]! If you have begun to get the frames of the new boat [#499s COLUMBIA ?] in place, she must begin to make a show: what I would give to be with you now, to see her taking shape!
I would almost agree to knock off a year of my life, although I have not many to spare now.
Flossie [Florence Griswold deWolf, sister of NGH's wife Clara] leaves us today to the great regret of everyone in the house. Mary is really depressed at the prospect of parting with her. She is deeply attached to Flossie. They have just returned from a visit to Mr.[?] Woodward's place in Prince George's country, which they appear to have enjoyed, but I regret that Flossie should have seen such weather in Maryland, for it has been such as I never expected to see here.
I hope you have got through the winter without any rheumatics troubles, and i also hope that you will take good care of yourself. Do not take another dip until the water gets warmer.
With warmest love to Caddie [Clara, NGH's wife], and the children, and to every one, I am,
your attached friend ... [A somewhat prophetic letter, considering that three months later, on June 10, 1899, Young would be NGH's guest for the launch of COLUMBIA and suffer a stroke from which he would die the following day, the same day that HMCo delivered 10 of the 'little fellows' (BB15s) referred to by Young in his letter.]" (Source: Young, William. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23480. Correspondence, Folder 68. 1899-03-01.)
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"[Item Transcription:] My dear Nat,
I received your letter of the 24th and am extremely obliged to you and Caddie for the very kind invitation you have both extended to me and to Mary to spend the month of June with you. There is nothing in this world that would give me as much pleasure as to be able to do so, but I have been thrown so much behind hand[?] by having been confined so long to the house this winter, that I [p. 2] regret to say I will not be able to get up to Bristol for a while yet, but you may be assured that I will lose no time in doing so. Mary I think, will avail herself of your kindness very soon and I will follow her at the earliest possible moment. Can you let me know just when you expect to to launch the new boat [#499s COLUMBIA]. I am trying to get Mr.[?] Parr to go up for it, and if he would do I would go with him even if I had to come back here for awhile.
Hoping to hear from you soon and again thanking you for your kindness I am, with warmest live to Caddie and Flossie yours ... [On the day of the launch of COLUMBIA, as guest of NGH, Young will suffer a stroke of which he will die the following day]." (Source: Young, William. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23500. Correspondence, Folder 68. 1899-05-29.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have written Mike[?] to go to Bristol and get the 'PUCK' [#465s] in commission. I am glad to be able to give him something to do. Please supply him with paint, varnish etc necessary.
I will leave the PELICAN [#408s] just as she is for the present.
Let me know when you have decided on the date of launching the COLUMBIA [#499s]. I would like very much to see it if I c[oul]d get away." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37650. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1899-05-29.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten certificate of analysis on 'The Nichols Chemical Company, Laurel Hill Laboratory' stationery:]
Certificate of Analysis No. 50543
Laurel Hill, L.I. July 6, 1899.
This is to certify that a sample of Aluminum Alloy
has been submitted to this Laboratory for analysis marked from Herreshoff Mfg. Co. said to represent [blank and penciled in by NGH: Aluminum alloy used by Bloomer[?], Pawtuxest, in sheaves for DEFENDER [#452s] and COLUMBIA [#499s]. N.G.H.
Sampled and found to contain:-
Aluminium 85.70%
Silicon .59%
Lead .18%
Zinc 12.16%
Magnesium .024%
Iron .25%
Copper 1.45%
Carbon present
Arsenic none
Antimony none
Manganese none
Nickel & Cobalt none
Calcium none
Phosphorous none
Bismuth none
[signed] Chemist." (Source: Nichols Chemical Company (Laurel Hill Laboratory). Correspondence (certificate of analysis) to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02160. Folder [no #]. 1899-07-06.)
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"[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:] SHAMROCK, #499s COLUMBIA, congratulations" (Source: Haswell, Charles H. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52750. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-09-29.)
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"[Item Description:] Clipping from an unidentified newspaper, quoting the Baltimore American, titled 'Some Thachts about Yachts'. Nonsense poem about Lipton, SHAMROCK, #499s COLUMBIA. Undated, believed to be ca. October 1899." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52760. Newspaper Clipping. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. No date (1899-10 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Bristol, RI:] Postpone launch until Monday to facilitate completion your family all well work at shops progressing satisfactorily. I am more than pleased with [#499s] COLUMBIA. [NGH had been in New York on COLUMBIA. He travelled home on Saturday October 7, attended to the launch of #520s ATHENE on Monday October 9, then immediately went back to New York.]" (Source: Herreshoff, J.B. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52720. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-06.)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Bristol, RI:] Congratulations on the splendid victory [with #499s COLUMBIA]. Your family well and pleasant." (Source: Herreshoff, J.B. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52670. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-16.)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from St. Paul, Min.:] My heartiest congratulations upon your glorious victory [with #499s COLUMBIA]. Your old classmate." (Source: Carey, S.M. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52690. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. (1899-10)-16.)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Brooklyn, NY:] Accept our heartiest congratulations for [#499s] COLUMBIA's splendid victory." (Source: Herreshoff, John Brown Francis. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52700. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-16.)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Bristol, RI:] Congratulations again on proving faster as well as stronger [with #499s COLUMBIA]. When will next match be started." (Source: Herreshoff, J.B. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52680. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-17.)
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"[Item Description:] [Telegram from Lovelock, Nevada:] Well, well, well, the people who sail prairie schooners send congratulations [on #499s COLUMBIA]." (Source: Hardinger, Hal. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52710. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-17.)
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"[Item Description:] Congratulation re #499s COLUMBIA from 'an old Bristol boy who used to shock[?] balls for you on the common in the [18-]sixties when Pamply[?], Johnny Post, Talbot & c. used to play'. Remembers #186701es CLYTIE and #186704es SADIE. 'Bristol boys never forget the beautiful town by the sea.'" (Source: Buguall[?], J.T. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52820. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-20.)
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"[Item Description:] We are all delighted with the COLUMBIA's [#499s] victory and send congratulations to her designer." (Source: Low, William G. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53000. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-20.)
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"[Item Description:] congratulations on #499s COLUMBIA win to 'my dear Uncle Nat', Dolly McVey crowed for Lipton, 'Nothing pleases me more than to think how McVey will have to wiggle and squirm to square himself after all the false predictions he has made and insinuated. He is a queer stick and we hear some funny things about him here in Boston.'" (Source: Corthell, A.B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53010. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-20.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] I suppose you have received enough congratulations to make all that I send merely a repetition of all that has been already said, but at the risk of being common place I send my owall[?] contribution of[?] thanks for the successful manner in which you have retained the cup.
I have had perfect confidence in the ability of COLUMBIA [#499s] to outsail any competitor but it is pleasant to have ones expectations realized, especially in such an important event as an international yacht race.
Hoping that Mrs Herreshoff and your family are well
Believe me
Sincerely yours
Will Low Jr." (Source: Low, William G. Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52650. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. No date (Saturday, probably 1899-10-21 or 1899-10-28).)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] I want to be among the first to congratulate you and your company on the success achieved by the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s]. It was a great victory, and to some of our mutual friends a pleasant surprise. Just why this is so I cannot understand. Please accept from my son and myself my most hearty congratulations.
This summer we have been without a boat, and have been thinking of asking you whether you would not be willing to consider designing and building a little boat for us next summer. If I remember rightly, you suggested, when the WANDA [#490s] was built, that we would do very much better to have a small knockabout. Well, what we need is a boat that one man can handle, and whose draft will not be greater than that of the WANDA on account of our shallow harbor at Southport; a boat that the boys can occasionally sail in a race, with a chance of winning, for I am afraid we are rather bad losers. [This will become #536s SIS.] " (Source: Bedford, E.T. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52780. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-21.)
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"[Item Description:] Two carte de visites, one by Mrs. Theodore Zeller with hand-written note 'Congratulations' [on #499s COLUMBIA win], the other by Theodore Zeller. Undated, filed with and apparently sent together with October 21, 1899 Isherwood letter." (Source: Zeller, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore. Correspondence (carte de visite) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52900. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. No date (sent with Isherwood letter 1899-10-21).)
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"[Item Transcription:] I greatly regret my absence form home last evening when you called.
I should have been delighted to have seen you, and congratulated you on the magnificent success of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s].
I knew nothing about the boat, but I knew the man, and never doubted of her brilliant performance.
Her victory was too complete for your interest, for the Britishers will be too much discouraged to make another attempt soon, and you will lose the chance of building another yact[sic] to beat them.
You deserve your success, and I hope the yachting public will make some public manifestation of what it owes you.
It will honor the yacht clubs of the Unites States to honor you. The real great men of a country are its great Engineers and Constructers, and you stand at the head of both professions.
M. Zeller cordially joins me in congratulating you, and in expressing his appreciation of your wonderful success and of you.
Truly your friend, ..." (Source: Isherwood, Adm. Benjamin F. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52910. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-21.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] Allow me to congratulate you upon your complete success with 'COLUMBIA' [#499s].
There never was a doubt in my mind when I saw the two boats together on the first day, but that COLUMBIA was the better of the two, but I did not expect such a tremendous difference.
I had supposed one of three[?] to four[?] minutes of[?] Mot[?] at the finish. It was the same old procession.
You deserve great credit and there are very many who have already told you so already[sic].
SHAMROCK was hardly in COLUMBIA's class, nor in DEFENDER's [#452s]." (Source: Schuyler, Philip. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52930. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-21.)
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"[Item Description:] [On 'International Silver Co.. Successor to Wm. Rogers Manufacturing Co. Silver Plated Table Ware.' stationery from Hartford, CT:] You are it! and the yacht you built [#499s COLUMBIA] is a Dandy. I mail you with best wishes a Silver Match Safe, for your use. It as 'Columbia on a Shell' 'more power to you'" (Source: Watrous, W.H. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53040. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-21.)
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"[Item Description:] congratulations on #499s COLUMBIA win from South Portland, ME" (Source: Woodbury, S.A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52950. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-22.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [On 'Edward P. Allis Company, Milwaukee' stationery:] Dear Nat,
In this your hour of triumphant success you will hardly feel the need of congratulations from me, but with the recollection of the years gone by in mind, I cannot let the occasion pass without telling you not only how glad we all are that the cup stays on this side the water, but that you had each a glorious part in the work of keeping it here.
I would have given a year of my life to have been on the COLUMBIA's [#499s] deck in the last race.
Mary is well, and smiles with me in congratulations to you and love to your family.
George" (Source: Phillips, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53030. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-23.)
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"[Item Description:] congratulations on success of #499s COLUMBIA, pleased to witness COLUMBIA was handled better than SHAMROCK, you completely subdued the press and their followers who in the early days of the race found fault with the COLUMBIA's management, COLUMBIA's mainsail set better than SHAMROCK's in the last race, #452s DEFENDER would have beaten SHAMROCK easily, Fife, poor fellow is so far behind you, I don't see how he can ever catch up, Francis has typhoid fever" (Source: Herreshoff, J. B. Francis. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52980. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I read of Loving cups and testimonials in connection with the defense of 'The Cup', but I fail to recognize any notice of the man who by his talent, and labor has defended it.
If I was a moneyed man, I would head the list of subscribers to an unexampled reward for your services.
If the Cup is again challenged for I suggest you to consider my design of a triangular mast.
The COLUMBIA [#499s] would have won the first day if the start had been at 11 o'clock precisely, when the wind was much fresher." (Source: Haswell, Charles H. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53060. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] In accordance with our conversation I enclose my Irish friend's check to be applied on a/c of one of the 15 footers [#535s MOYA]. I want her to have the extra six inches draft the same as Mr Iselins [#513s HOPE] & I would like to have her ready about May 1st, 1900.
She will have to lie in a fairly exposed position so I would like to have a solid eyebolt on deck forward that can be used to shackle to her moorings.
Will you also please send me a blue print showing the general type of boat, so that I can show it to the prospective owner who is very much excited about it.
Those were pretty trying three works [in #499s COLUMBIA] that we put in down at the hook [Sandy Hook], but we went out in a blaze of glory & none of the other crowd have a word to say." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52860. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Many thanks for your kind note. Both Mrs Iselin & myself feel that our sincere thanks are due to you for your great help during our long fight off Sandy Hook. The whole nation is indebted to you for designing the fastest boat [#499s COLUMBIA] the world has ever seem.
Your genius is appreciated by all who know you & recognized by the whole world. Myself I can not thank you enough. I am delighted to have[?] it all over & this is certainly my last attempt to defend the America Cup.
I shall keep the model out of sight as long as possible & certainly until the other is shown. I have decided to haul COLUMBIA out at City Island at once & will ask you to send Hawkins[?] City Island docking plan & any other information he may require. I have decided not to hathe[?] COLUMBIA throade[?] this winter, as I want a long rest & the expense of these Cup defenders has been a heavy burden for me to bear even with the help I have had from others.
I now intend sailing for Europe in December & may be away for a year, so do not count me in for a 70 footer [New York 70 class]. With kindest regards. Believe me.
Very sincerely your friend ..." (Source: Iselin, C. Oliver. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52960. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-26.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I can't tell you how glad I am that COLUMBIA [#499s] won. I felt sure she would and bet on her. I should liked to have seen that last race. It must have been wind, and too[sic] beat them in what they supposed to be their own weather was good too. I do hope she will go across the pond, but we do not want to give them points to use against us. However they do not stand much chance of beating us.
I sent you yesterday two photos, one of JILT [#493s] and one of ONWARD [#487s]. I don't know which[?] you have any or not but they are thought to be very good of the boats. The JILT is still as good as any of her class. She did little racing this summer. She could beat them in all in a strong breeze but in light wind and smooth sea the 'PIRATE' could beat her. Please remember me to Mr John [JBH] and accept my best regards for your self.
Yours truly
Willard B. Jackson
P.S. Hope you will see Mama as she is in Bristol." (Source: Jackson, Willard B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53050. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Congratulation re #499s COLUMBIA from U.S.S. BROOKLYN" (Source: Wood, Spencer D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52800. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-29.)
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"[Item Description:] Letter from Galveston, TX, congratulations re #499s COLUMBIA, have made a plan to propel a ship, want to share invention on equal financial terms" (Source: Leith, L.C. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52870. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-30.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have been away for three weeks on account of ill health & have not had a chance to discuss the interior arrangement of my 70 footer [#534s YANKEE]. I would like to get one fairly large cabin with a larger bed in it.
I enclose contract & my congratulations to you on 'COLUMBIA's' [#499s] great showing. It is splendid proof of your skill." (Source: Whitney, Harry Payne. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52880. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. (1899)-11-01.)
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"[Item Description:] Clipping from an unidentified newspaper, quoting the Lewiston Journal, titled 'Recessional Nother Kind'. Poem about Lipton, SHAMROCK, #499s COLUMBIA. Undated, believed to have been created ca. October 1899." (Source: Wilcox, Edward (sender). Correspondence (newspaper clipping) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52840. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. No date (believed to have been sent with Edward Wilcox letter 1899-11-03).)
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"[Item Transcription:] I wish to congratulate you upon the success of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] in the recent yacht race, of which you were the 'power behind the throne'.
The only regret I have in the matter is, that the press and public do not give you the proper credit for our success in the matter; for, in my opinion, there is more credit due you that the cup still remains with us than to any other man.
Captain Barr sailed the 'COLUMBIA' to victory. No reason why he shouldn't. Captain Nat. Herreshoff built him a boat to do it with.
I thought I might come down to congratulate you in person. That is why I am so late communicating this. I enclose a little slip which I think pretty good." (Source: Wilcox, Edward (Steam Vessel Inspection Service). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52850. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-11-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have just returned from Europe and note your letter of the 1st. I shall be very glad to hear further from you, at your earliest convenience, regarding the little boat [#536s SIS] we desire to have for use in the months of June, July, August and September. What I wrote you last practically covers all that I have to say on the subject, regarding our requirements, and that letter might be considered by you, if you wish, as an order, unless you desire to suggest something different in reference either to style or size.
I had the pleasure of crossing on the 'ST. LOUIS' with Sir Thomas Lipton and found him to be a very manly fellow --- one who knew he was beaten and was not afraid to say so. He expressed a very high regard for yourself and an appreciation of what he termed your very kind courtesy in calling on Mr. Fyfe[sic, i.e. Fife]; he seemed to think that his usual good luck had deserted him. He told me that a disagreement between his sailing captains, in the first race, in some measure lost him what chance he had; and then there was the accident in the next race; and the last one, he admitted, proved conclusively that the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] was the better boat. He seemed to think that they had but one point of superiority, and that was in their sails. He went on further to say that if the 'COLUMBIA' had had as good sails as he thought the 'SHAMROCK' had, he thought she would have lost sight of them soon after starting. I was glad to learn that he is determined to try again. He hopes that the next time his designer will be in good health so that he can have his assistance, as the 'COLUMBIA' had yours, and, with the SHAMROCK as a trial horse, to make a better showing." (Source: Bedford, E.T. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52790. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-11-27.)
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"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Two newspaper clippings pasted on a sheet of paper, one marked N.Y. Evening Telegram Editorial of December 6, 1899 titled 'Flattering to the Herreshoffs', the ofther marked Despatch to Evening Telegram December 6, 1899 and titled 'COLUMBIA [#499s] is Better Designed.' In lower right corner in ink 'From E.M. Brandt, N.Y. Herald'." (Source: Brandt, E.M. (creator). Newspaper Clippings. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52770. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-12-06.)
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"[Item Description:] One page with penciled calculations and formulas on recto, apparently related to a rating or measurement formula (L * sq-rt(S)) / (4 * cube-rt(wl ox)) which is calculated for #452s DEFENDER, #499s COLUMBIA, #529s MINEOLA, #510s PETREL, #411s GLORIANA, #414s WASP, #539s ALTAIR, #545s PLEASURE, #538s COUNTESS, #530s ELECTRA and Newport 30 Class. Another formula L * sq-rt(S)) / (7 1/2 * sq-rt([W.L.]ox) which is calculated for PETREL, GLORIANA, ALTAIR, ELECTRA and Newport 30 Class [Undated. 1900 or later given the building numbers]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72140. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F08, formerly MRDE15. No date (1900 or later).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled tabulated data comparing deck length (99ft and 106ft), waterline length (65ft and 70ft 1in), Beam extreme (19ft 5in and 10ft 5in)), Draft (13ft and 14ft), displacement in cuft (2372 and 2585) and tons, Ballast in tons net, quarter plane area, rating factors, racing length (70ft and 77ft), and ratio of cube-root (displacement) / sqrt (sail area) for two vessels ('65ft' and '70ft'). Some of the table also shows rating data for #499s COLUMBIA. On verso more data beginning with 'Gaff' and ending with 'Gaff 64.94[ft]. w.l. 89.66[ft]'. [The dimensions for the 70ft 1in boat in the table appear to match those for the New York 70 class (#570s MINEOLA et al) and thus might date this to 1899/1900 or later." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE05_00230. Folder [no #]. No date (1899 or later).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten signed letter on 'Cary Smith & Barbey' stationery:] I write to ask if you used a turnbuckle on the bobstay of 'COLUMBIA' [#499s].
My experience has been that a long splice at end of bowsprit is better than a band, and that the bobstay set up on its own end will stand without change for a season.
We are fitting a large schooner for sea work, and the captain thinks that a splice on the end of bowsprit will not do, but wants a band and turnbuckle.
My reason for writing is that you are the only man I would ask such a question of and I will not feel offended if you do not reply, but as we do not conflict in any way I take this chance.
Truly yours ..." (Source: Smith, A. Cary. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20070. Correspondence, Folder 55. 1900-03-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations titled '#551. Cup defender CONSTITUTION for 1901. Nov 15, 1900. Model finished. N.B. Lead will be made by figures in book of #499 [COLUMBIA]'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0606. WRDT08, Folder 46. 1900-11-15.)
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"[Item Description:] so you are actually building another Cup Defender! [#551s CONSTITUTION], will keep anything I know about #499s COLUMBIA to myself for you trusted me with the information, how I should enjoy working on the new one!, am busy here [at New York Sipbuilding in Camden, NJ], I see an enlarged #512s OISEAU going up in the South Shop, was sorry to hear about Walker's Cove fire [on Oct 21, 1900], #532s RAINBOW seems to have acted remarkably well in just clearing the South wharf in the North Wester [RAINBOW had gone ashore on Nov 9, 1900], have you been out in #404s COQUINA lately, I wish I could be up there trying to catch you in the TIP tomorrow" (Source: Packard, Alpheus A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20350. Correspondence, Folder 58. 1900-11-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten signed letter on 'Havemeyer Building, 26 Cortlandt St., N.Y.' stationery:] I have been thinking about your proposed boat [#551s CONSTITUTION] all the way down on the train.
I like the proposed construction very much but I don't think you go far enough in model or sailplan to beat COLUMBIA [#499s]. The increase of sailplan is after all [p. 2] only 750 feet which as you said on top of 13000 is not much. I don't think the fact of having a steel mast ought to influence us too much. I think she ought to have more sail & don't you think that without going to the extreme of the 70ies you could improve on COLUMBIA, too, for after all we are not likely to have much bad weather before Sept. 1st.
Yours sincerely, ..." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21960. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. (1900)-11-22.)
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"[Item Description:] I should have written you at once upon having decided to take charge of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] this summer, but have had a great deal to do in helping Mrs. Morgan get ready for Christmas in addition to my own office affairs. I shall hope before long to get up to Bristol to have a talk with you about the boat's prospects in general. It seems to me as a trial horse, COLUMBIA should not differ radically from what she was at the time of the last race; but at the same time it is important that all the speed possible should be got out of her, and with that in view I wish you would let me know if you have any suggestions to make that you think would have a definite bearing on her speed. I have engaged [Charlie] Barr as a skipper and shall leave no stone unturned to turn the boat out in good fighting condition next year, which with your assistance should accomplish what is most needed, that is:- make the new boat [#551s CONSTITUTION] race for all she's worth, and thereby put her and her crew in a condition suitable to meet Lipton or Lawson or anybody else. It is a great pleasure to think I shall see more of you next summer and we will again have some active interests n common. With kind regards and the compliments of the season to yourself and family, I am, ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37890. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1900-12-26.)
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"[Item Description:] I see in newspapers you have 85 frames bent [for #551s CONSTITUTION], Tams saw the Boston boat's lines, they do not know how much ballast she will take and plan to just try it out, why did COLUMBIA [#499s] have trouble with her blocks when DEFENDER [#452s] did not?, Deer Islanders seem to be not anxious to be crew this year, measurement rule for topsails will probably be changed" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21740. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-01-30.)
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"[Item Description:] Don't forgot that you are going to send me plans of COLUMBIA's [#499s] interior fittings. Will you kindly do so as soon as convenient as I am very anxious that the crew should be able to live on board her at the time of their beginning pay. namely:- on the 1st of April, and save much expense thereby." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37900. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1901-02-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Do you think there will be any advantage in having Terry at City Island to superintend the stepping of COLUMBIA's [#499s] mast, if so, what would be the cost? On the other hand, do you think that [Charlie] Barr is competent to superintend the stepping of the mast? [P.S.] I mean of course the Terry who will slip[?] the new boats most. Have you any new idea to suggest for securing the mast at point of contact with slip. " (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37910. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1901-02-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was up at City Island yesterday afternoon, and among other things discussed with [Charlie] Barr the results of the topmast falling inside COLUMBIA's [#499s] mast, where it would fetch up &c. He tells me that when housed the heel of the topmast swings about considerably within the mast, and he fears greatly that the heel ropes may be chafed so as to let the thing come down with a run. After thinking over it some time, it has occurred to me that it might be possible to rig under the deck a hammock? composed of two strong steel cables suspended athwartships and swinging directly under the mast where the flanges of the step come together. This would be movable, light and I think strong enough to break the fall of the topmast considerably. I send you herewith a sketch. Hoping that I have made myself fairly
clear, I am,
[P.S.] To[?] the suggestion good for anything if so how would you secure then ends of the hammock." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37950. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1901-03-04.)
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"[Item Transcription:] In looking rather critically into the rigging of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] I find that the topmast shroud is not in alignment, being drawn aft at its juncture with the spreader. On the starboard side it is all right. The discrepancy is not great, but it is distinctly out of line and disturbs me somewhat. Please write me what you think about it. I shall come to Bristol with the 'COLUMBIA' for a day or so as soon as I can
spare the time from my office. Are all the new sails for the 'COLUMBIA' ready? What do you think about 'SHAMROCK Second'? Do you think it is all over but the shouting? I have no doubt you do in your heart, (barring accidents).
An early answer will greatly oblige, ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37970. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1901-05-15.)
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"[Item Description:] Yours of the 16th received. I am awfully disappointed that the COLUMBIA's [#499s] mainsail has not yet been begun, as I had hoped to spend this leisure time in stretching it into shape. How soon do you think I may expect it to be ready for use? We all are quite familiar with the change of the holes in the flange. I particularly asked [Charlie] Barr if he could have made a mistake about the holes in which the bolts were put, but he thought not. Still I will ask him again as I feel much concerned about it. Let me know as soon as you can about the mainsail." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37980. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1901-05-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten materials analysis report:] Navy Yard
Boston, Mass. August 1, 1901.
Test of Wire Rope received from Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol, Rhode Island:
First specimen, 2-1/8in circumference, broke at 29,890 lbs. [Penciled note by NGH: 69 1/2% of required strength] Second specimen, 4-l/4in circumference, broke at 123,720 lbs. [Penciled note by NGH: 69% of required strength]
[Penciled note by NGH: 3/8 tested at 10950 = 78% of required strength]
Commander, U.S.N., Equipment Officer. [This test was probably related to the design and building of #551s CONSTITUTION and the sailing of #499s COLUMBIA.]" (Source: Navy Yard Boston. Correspondence (tensile strength test) to Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02490. Folder [no #]. 1901-08-01.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten signed letter on W.B. Duncan, Jr.' stationery:] I was on SHAMROCK yesterday [in the first, aborted America's Cup race against #499s COLUMBIA] & thought you would like to hear about her. Her construction is very light & very similar to COLUMBIA [#499s] only they have used aluminum liners & they have corroded in the same way as they did on DEFENDER [#452s] & with the same result to the rivets, she had 600 rivets replaced in the dock last week, the rigging is very light, she only has four shrouds, two to the hounds & two to the masthead & it is all copied exactly from yours & she has all Coleman blocks. The running rigging is very light, jib & staysail sheets are only 3in & the main sheet about the same, all hemp. The mainsail a beautifull piece of work, but very flat, no draft in it at all. She is logy in very light breezes & is slow turning, but in the few minutes just after the start yesterday when we had a good breeze she seemed to me to move very fast & ran away from Columbia though we may have had a stronger wind & we were not at it long enough to see how she pointed. Afterwards in the light weather & sea she acted very much like INDEPENDENCE but I think she will travel very fast in a breeze. Jameson is a keen [p. 2] one & knows his business & the crew work very well, they only keep about 25 men on deck in light weather just enough to work the sheets.
CONSTITUTION [#551s which had not been chosen as defender] would have cleaned them both out yesterday just about the same weight as the day we beat COLUMBIA 30 minutes but there was more sea yesterday. [Duncan who had previously been manager of CONSTITUTION had sailed as observer on SHAMROCK II.]
I shall be up in Providence after all this is over & will run down to see you. Yours sincerely ..." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21790. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-09-27.)
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"[Item Description:] race on Saturday [1st America's Cup race won by COLUMBIA [#499s] over SHAMROCK] was close, SHAMROCK's gain was in the last 10 min when COLUMBIA was in our wake & could not get out of it, COLUMBIA faster downwind and slower upwind, COLUMBIA turns very much quicker as SHAMROCK [Duncan had sailed as observer on SHAMROCK II]" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21810. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-09-30.)
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"[Item Description:] glad to hear you are building your own cruising yacht [#215p ROAMER], this year's close America's Cup races, 'COLUMBIA [#499s] sadly needs the presence of an effect named Mr. N. G. Herreshoff', trying to change existing girth rule, need for new measurement formula on the Lakes to encourage building of longer-lasting boats, please give advice" (Source: Owen, George, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23300. Correspondence, Folder 68. 1901-10-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you most heartily for your kind letter of October 5th which I very much appreciate but I must in turn thank you for the material [#499s COLUMBIA] with which I had to work. Your predictions I think would have been nearer right had our mainsail been better, particularly the last day. The race of Thursday, the 3rd, with its strong North wind blew our mainsail out very badly so that I was obliged to put in that racing reef, and further on Friday morning I gave orders that if we were not successful that day the other mainsail must be put on in the afternoon.
Butler [Duncan] has told me that he had written you several times so that you are undoubtedly well posted about the details of the races. Sometime, however, when I see you I will probably be able to tell you further about them." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37990. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1901-10-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Page (on the back of Brooklyn Warehouse and Dry Dock Company' invitation to a stockholders meeting on June 10, 1902) with densely penciled table and calculations marked by NGH in right margin 'sent in letter to Mr Cormack, June 16, 1902'. The table shows rating numbers and intermediate numbers for exisiting and proposed rating rules for HMCo-built boats (#499s COLUMBIA, #452s DEFENDER, #529s MINEOLA Class, #510s PETREL (yawl), #411s GLORIANA, #414s WASP, #539s ALTAIR, #545s PLEASURE, #538s COUNTESS, #530s ELECTRA, Newport 30 Class, Buzzards Bay 30 Class, #578s AZOR)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Correspondence (table) to Cormack, George A. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72260. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F08, formerly MRDE15. 1902-06-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Since writing you last I have received a letter from Mr. A. Cary Smith, a copy of which, I enclose to you herewith.
I have also had a talk with Mr. Gardner and he has acquiesced in the recommendation of M.Q.B.L. for L with LWL eliminated from the rule.
I have prepared a measurement rule in harmony as far as possible with your own views and the views of Mr. Smith and Mr. Gardner and enclose to you herewith a copy of the same.
The classification suggested, reduces the number of the present classes and seems to me to fit the measurements as far as practicable of the present racing boats.
I have appended a few examples giving the approximate ratings of the racing boats which though not strictly accurate are near enough for our purposes.
I would esteem it a very great favor if you would furnish me the exact measurements under the rule, of the MINEOLA [#529s], HUMMA [#553s] OR ALTAIR [#539s], EFFORT [#552s], LEDA [#541s] or COUNTESS [#538s].
The measurement of sail as you know by the present system reduces the ratings of all the boats to lower figures than if the sail were measured by the English method, and as I desire to make up a correct table under the rule suggested I would like to have the accurate measurement of these boats under the suggested rule as figured by you.
I would also like to know if the suggested rule comes near enough to your ideas to be recommended by you for adoption.
I regret the necessity of troubling you further in this matter but I am very anxious that whatever is recommended by our Committee shall go before the Club with your approval. [Incl NGH draft reply:] I have yours of 16th inst and am glad to know that you as well as Mr Smith and Mr Gardner have looked into the 'MQBL' again and approve of it as I recommended it.
As to the matter of measuring sails, I cannot agree with Mr Smith, that it cannot be improved upon. I certainly think it can be and be improved, but the bad results of the present method are not so important as other things under consideration are. Yawls are very unfairly measured under the present method. In the English method they are correctly measured and in the English method there is no occasion to monkey with throat or peak halyard blocks to give all possible sail spread for the measurement. They (the Englishman) can put in as long or short mast head as they please and have all the drift they want on the throat halyards, or as much doubling to the masts as is necessary to hold them, without affecting the measurement of the sails. There is one thing, however, I think your committee should do if they do not think it wise to change the present method of measuring sails, and that is to add the excess of area of club topsails over the maximum size of the working topsail and not rule club topsails out when racing.
In using 5. as a constant in the formula (L*sq-rt(S)) / (5*cube-rt(D)), the resulting racing length is larger than we are accustomed to, and I would suggest using instead 5.5 for the present measurement, or 5.5 (possibly 6) for the Y.R.A. measurement or the NYYC with clubtopsail added as an illustration I present the following calculations for some of our one-stickers: [Table with data for DEFENDER [#452s], COLUMBIA [#499s], MINEOLA [#529s], (NEOLA), ALTAIR [#539s], WASP [#414s], GLORIANA [#411s], EFFORT [#552s], COUNTESS [#538s], Newport 30s, Buzzards Bay 30s follows.]
In closing I hope your committee will not overlook the importance of changing the time allowance tables to the full theoretical amount as I have already suggested. You[?] it is very important that the present idea that the largest boat in the class is the best one should be exploded." (Source: Lawton, N.D. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_71670. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F07, formerly MRDE15. 1902-09-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Four-page typed letter on HMCo stationery:] I have yours of the 16th, and am glad to know that you as well as Mr. Smith and Mr. Gardiner[sic, i.e. Gardner], have looked into the M. Q. B. L. again and approve of it as I recommend it.
As to the method of measuring sails I cannot agree with Mr. Smith that it cannot be improved upon. I certainly think it can be and should be improved, but the bad results of the present method are not so important as other things under consideration are. Yawls are very unfairly measured under the present method. In the English method they are correctly measured, and in the English method there is no occasion to monkey with the throat and peak halyard blocks to get all possible sail spread for the measurement. They (the Englishman) can put in as long or short mast head as they please and have all the drift they want on the throat halyards, or as much doubling to the masts as is necessary to hold them, without affecting the measurement of the sails. There is one thing, however, I think your committee should do if they do not think it wise to change the present method of measuring sails, and that is to add the excess of area of club topsails over the maximum size of the working topsails and not rule club topsails out when racing.
In using 5. as a constant in the formula (L*sq-rt(S)) / (5*cube-rt(D)) the resulting racing length is larger than we are accustomed to and I would suggest using instead 5.5 for the present measurement or 5.75 (possibly 6) for Y.R.A. measurement or the N.Y.Y.C. with club topsail added. As an illustration I present the following calculations from some of our one-stickers.
[Table with data for DEFENDER [#452s], COLUMBIA [#499s], MINEOLA [#529s], (NEOLA), ALTAIR [#539s], WASP [#414s], GLORIANA [#411s], EFFORT [#552s], COUNTESS [#538s], Newport 30s, Buzzards Bay 30s follows.]
It would be a mistake to limit sail area to 5% excess of racing length instead of by M.Q.B.L. The object of limiting it at all is to prevent rigging small hulls with big sails which would be suitable for light weather racing only and worthless for cruising.
As an example suppose we take the formula (M.Q.B.L.)*sq-rt(S) / (5.5 * cube-rt(D)) and substitute for sq-rt(S) its equivalent 1.05 R[acing]L[ength] as per your recommendation, then RL / (1.05*RL) = MQBL/(5.5*cube-rt(D))
Now suppose RL is fixed, then M.Q.B.L. can be made as large or small as you please as long as D is changed so that cube-rt(D)is always a certain ratio of M.Q.B.L. Or in other words, having racing length and sail area fixed you are at liberty to choose any size hull you think best suited to the weather conditions.
The possible limit of speed of any vessel having no great propelling force than can be obtained from the wind by the sail she can carry, is governed by the speed of the wave she can generate and this is never longer than her body. The speed of a wave is depended on its length in the well known law S=sq-rt(L). Now the length of vessel for generating the wave is measured very fairly by M.Q.R.L., and this factor is the ruling one in the formula, which perhaps would be better understood if written RL=(MQBL)* (sq-rt(S)/(5.5*cube-rt(D)). In this way you may consider that sq-rt(S) / (5.5*cube-rt(D)) is only a correction of M.Q.B.L. for the amount of sail carried in relation to the displacement. It is very obvious that sq-rt(S) should be limited to the (M.Q.B.L.) and also that the classification should be by M.Q.B.L. and not by RL. as has been the popular way for the last few years.
I am still of the conviction that it would be wiser; better for the present generation and the coming one to make the class limits in ratio 5 to 4 (nearly) as I proposed in scale 100-80-64-50-40, both for schooners and sloops and based on W.Q.B.L.
In closing I hope your committee will not overlook the importance of changing the time allowance tables to the full theoretical amount, as I have already suggested. It is very important that the present idea that the largest boat in the class is the best one should be exploded." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Lawton, N.D. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_71530. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F07, formerly MRDE15. 1902-09-19.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have just received a letter from the brother [possibly Gardner B. Penniman] of my first wife [Mary B. Penniman]. He is an exceedingly nice chap and it would give me a great deal of pleasure to be of use to him in any way that I can. He was talking about the rawing in their bay --- he lives at Quogue, and was considering the question of building a new boat, and I strongly urged him to hear what you had to say on the subject before doing anything. He very readily fell in with the idea. I told him that if he would give me all the data that I would forward it to you and ask what you would suggest and what the cost of building a boat for thet purpose would be. I do not think that he could pay a high price. The usual boat built for racing there I believe costs about $600 complete. However, if you will look it over and see what you can do and let me know the price, I will be greatly obliged to you. In order to be as clear as possible I will enclose you his own memoranda about sail area, water line &c, and also give an abstract from his letter, as follows:-
'I am sending a description of the type and size of boat required in our races and our mode of measurement. After this year there is to be no 'time allowance. The top of the class is 18.5 feet sailing length, and anything over that would have to go in the class above and yet would get 'no time allowance. Scows are not allowed as the boats must have a keel with dead wood aft, like the South Bay cat. There is no limit on overhang either fore or aft, only mainsail is allowed. The draft with centre board up could not be over 16 inches. The water we race in is not over six feet deep, so that with, centre board down, not more than five feet draft could be carried. We are allowed for crew: the helmsman, sheet tender and two others. As much ballast as wanted can be carried, but not shifted. It is best not to have lead on the keel or bronze centre board, as both would count against the boat in the measurement.
With the above information I hope you can get an idea of whatis wanted and be able to give a figure on it.
Now one question on my own account. Is it possible and how long would it take to arrange the 'COLUMBIA's' [#499s] runners with a winch for setting up below deck like in the CONSTITUTION [#551s]." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38030. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-10-01.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled '2[nd] trial. 1st model'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 5050cuft for body part and 805cuft for keel for a total of 5855[cuft] = 375000lbs = 167 long tons and note 'Disp[lacement] 12% greater than COLUMBIA [#499s] & 7 1/2% greater than CONSTITUTION [#551s]. Wetted surface 11 1/2% greater than COLUMBIA. ...'. Undated, compare with pantograph hull sections titled '4th [trial]. Oct[ober] 4, 1902. 89ft w.l. design [#605s RELIANCE]. 1st model' which show the same design." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_07730. Folder [no #]. No date (1902-10-04 or earlier).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled '4th [trial]. Oct[ober] 4, 1902. 89ft w.l. design [#605s RELIANCE]. 1st model'. With calcultions adding weigth estimates for Hull, Equipment, Ex. Sails & gear, Spars on deck, crew * 66, Standing rig and arriving at a total weight of 370000lbs. With 1/4 beam related calculations. With tabulated calculations determining displacements for body and total and a total displacement of 5780cuft = 370000lbs = 165.3 long tons. With note 'Disp[lacement] = 10 1/4% greater than COLUMBIA [#499s] & 6 1/4% greater than CONSTITUTION [#551s]. Area w.l. = 15 1/4% greater than COLUMBIA & 11% greater than CONSTITUTION. Wetted surface = 12 1/2% greater than COLUMBIA. [unreadable comparison]. Ext. stability = 29% greater than COLUMBIA & 20% greater than CONSTITUTION'. On verso another set of penciled pantograph hull sections marked '3rd [trial]' without further notes or calculations." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_04140. Folder [no #]. 1902-10-04.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of October 4th received for which I am obliged. If you can give me an approximate idea of the cost of a boat such as my brother-in-law wishes, also the approximate time when you could probably deliver such a one, I will notify him and he can then decide for himself whether to wait or not.
I would like very much to have you lay out the plan for the running tackle winch for 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] and I suppose that it could be put in by some of your men at City Island, or would it be necessary for her to go to Bristol, and in either case, how long would it take to install? I would like to know as soon as possible in order that if I decide to go on with the job, it may be done at once before you get too much crowded with work.
I have been talking over the question of the condition of the hull with both [Charlie] Barr and Miller, and they agree with me that there is very little to do to it. I should therefore think that if you could let me have about the lst of April a riveter or two to go over her, that that would accomplish all that is necessary. Can you let me have these men at about that time? And I would like to have some rivets of the proper size obtained now and held for me.
I am sorry to trouble you but an early answer would greatly oblige. With kind regards for all, I am ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38050. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-10-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you for yours of October 7th which I have received this morning. I am sorry about the little boat, but I can well understand how difficult it would be for you to go into a new design of that with all you have to do at present. I will therefore, write my brother-in-law that he had better make other arrangements, as he will undoubtedly want the boat early in the season.
Referring to what you say about the winches, I will write to-day to the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. formally giving the order for them, and you will explain what it is that I want.
Referring to the overhauling of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] I think it would be well, if possible, to send on a man who could give an opinion as to what was needed. After he had given this opinion, we could then decide upon what to do and when to do it. I should suggest his coming to City Island and getting Barr to go with him to the 'COLUMBIA' and give him all the information and suggestions necessary to form his opinion. If you will do this and notify me when the man could be expected at City Island, I will notify Capt. Barr to be on the lookout for him.
With kind regards, I am, ...
P.S. Will you kindly send me a COLUMBIA's sail plan? I am, by the way, putting in my order for sails to-day, although completely staggered by the prices." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38060. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-10-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations titled '89 1/2ft w.l. #605 [RELIANCE]. (2nd model). 3rd trial. Oct 18, 1902.' With table titled 'Comparison' and two columns titled 'Larger than COLUMBIA [#499s]' and 'Larger than CONSTITUTION [#551s]'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0626. WRDT08, Folder 46. 1902-10-18.)
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"[Item Description:] it was not convenient to send #578s AZOR to Bristol so I am laying her up here, will try to send her to you in spring to have some alterations made and perhaps cork covering put on cockpit floor, new Cup Defender?, #499s COLUMBIA, VOLUNTEER" (Source: Forbes, J. Malcolm. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20260. Correspondence, Folder 57. 1902-10-21.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am writing to ask you to send me a letter approving our formula, and also urging its immediate adoption, that it may facilitate the designers building for the coming season. I am not giving you much time, but the fact is that I have been so busy with the work of the various Committees that I almost forgot this important detail. I do not suppose you could come up to take part in the discussion personally for no doubt you are overburdened with your new labors.
I intend running down to Newport on Monday or Tuesday next and shall endeavor to call on you at Bristol.
Wishing the new boat [#605s RELIANCE] every success, for I am sure she will be easily the finest thing that ever floated off the ways at Bristol, believe me to be... [Incl NGH reply:] I have studied over the proposed amendments to Racing Rules you have forward[ed] to me and I approve of them highly, and am sorry I will not be able to attend the meeting on Thursday to put in my vote in favor of them. There are a few minor things that I would like to see modified and may be after a year's experience, but as a whole I believe, when put into use the amendments will prove of great value to the sport of Yacht Racing. There will be larger entries of older boats, and the new ones will be of a more healthy and useful type.
I sincerely hope the amendment will pass and become available for use the coming season. There is nothing in the rules that will put any existing boat out of racing and a much better type of boat will spring up when it is in use. So the sooner it is done the better.
With reference to the little things I think can be improved I may as well mention I hope they will be acted upon at some future time and make the Racing Rules still more perfect for universal use.
1st With using the Y.R.A. sail area rule I think the constant divisor should be larger. Say 5 1/2 or even 6 instead of 5. This change would not effect the N.Y.Y.C. particularly, but would make the rule in better form for universal adoption. And I think that is one point your committee had in view in the original circular sent up[?]. Also for the same reasons, the regulations of the crew could be much improved by instead of allowing so many men per class to gauge the crew by the area of sail each boat is measured for. i would propose allowing one man for each 250 sqft sail area, and fraction[?] or express algebraically[?] Crew = .004 * (SA) + 1. The one begin added in place of a fraction.
Under the proposed rule of your Committee the 1st class sloops or schooners are limited to 50 men whatever may be their size. This is not enough for the crew of a Cup Defender as you will see by referring to the Racing length of COLUMBIA [#499s] in the report of your committee which is 131 ft. The same no that would be allotted to a yacht of only just over 100 ft.
The sail area (121)^2 = 14621 [space] .004 * 14621 = 58.564 or 59 men.
3rd The draft limit would be easier to apply if express algebraically instead of graphically. So expressed Draft = (1.34 Racing length) + 2.58 which I think is better.
I believe it would be better to make the limit of sail area = 1.30 times L and change the time allowance to the full theoretical amount, but this can be better determined after a years trial.
I hope I am not making myself too officious in mentioning these. I naturally have a fatherly feeling in the application of these new rules and I want them to be as perfect as possible." (Source: Cormack, George A. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_69890. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F03, formerly MRDE15. 1902-10-21.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have not yet heard from the report to be made on the condition of 'COLUMBIA's' [#499s] hull. Will you not kindly let me have it as soon as possible? What would you suggest as the best method and time for straightening the rudder which during the last season was slightly bent? Will you kindly send me COLUMBIA's sail plan? I have been asked to get two or three extra sails from Ratsey, merely as an experiment and to oblige certain people. I trust you will let me have this without delay as Mr. Morgan has spoken to me several times.
Will you kindly give me a list of the places where Italian hemp can be used to advantage in the rigging, also the sizes thereof? There is no doubt it can in some places be used to advantage --- runner tackle for instance.
I have a letter from Miller to whom I gave orders to get prices on it and as it may interest you, I will quote them.
'Italian hemp made out of sail twine is about 72 cent per kilo. German money 2 marks and 90 pfenninge. Freight and duty 'extra'.
I suppose by this time that you and Ollie [Iselin] have been hard at it. I am sure he will be pleased with your ideas for next year's boat [#605s RELIANCE] and furthermore, I am sure that she will be a flyer." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38090. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-11-18.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Yours of the 20th received for which I am greatly obliged. It would be a great convenience to me to have a complete sail plan of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] that I may keep proper check on distances, measurements, etc. next summer. If you will kindly send me this I will care for it as you suggest --- for my personal use only.
In addition to this I would be greatly obliged if you will send me separate designs for a mainsail, jib and No. 2 Club topsail for the use of Ratsey. In sending the plan of mainsail, please give height of topside of boom from deck; also the angle of underside of gaff with mast.
As I said before I am greatly obliged to you for these and will recognize your wishes about the complete sail plan strictly.
Yours very truly, ...
P.S. I man draw in foot of sail over deck-line at scale." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38100. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-11-21.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you very much for yours of November 29th enclosing the Plan of Sails [for #499s COLUMBIA]. I hope you will not bother to get up a new plan. Can you not give me a blue print of the one you have? I would not bother you about it, but not having [Charlie] Barr it thrusts a great deal of responsibility upon me, and there are many ways, even to the setting of the sails, in which I can get help from it. As I assured you before, it will of course be for my personal use.
I see by the papers you got your casting out [for #605s RELIANCE] and apparently is satisfactory. I also see by the papers that they have started our racing on May 21st so that it will be necessary not to put away our fur clothing as early as usual." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38110. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-12-02.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I thank you very much for the Blue Print [of #499s COLUMBIA] which I have received. It is, I believe, exactly what I want and will be of great assistance to me next summer when I have not [Charlie] Barr to attend to things for me. I have seen a patent snap hook, about whose working qualities I am doubtful. Do you know of anything better than the regular ones? I think it will be advisable to put on the regular ones, to start with at least, and if nothing better is found later, they could be used. Is there no way of rounding the points on the regular ones to prevent their tearing the sails?
Mrs. Morgan joins me in wishing you and your family the compliments of the season." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38120. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1902-12-24.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled table, untitled, listing schooner classes (from A to EE) and sloops & yawls classes (from F to Q [and R and S]) and their ratings. With separate note showing rating factors 'with excess of rig' for CORONA [#435s ex-COLONIA], GLORIANA [#411s], WASP [#414s], IROLITA [#591s], HUMMA [#553s], COLUMBIA [#499s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s] and SPASM [#538s]. On verso unidentified sketches. Undated (the latest boat on this list was built in 1903)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01380. Folder [no #]. No date (1903 or later).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled unsigned draft letter:] I beg to acknowledge receipt of your very interesting letter and thank you for the same.
Your experiments coincide very clearly with mine and I did have quite the same view of it as you.
Several years ago when I was asked to build some steel spars for the canhin[?] Cup defender I designed, I studied the subject rather thoroughly and then came to the conclusion it was impossible to make a steel spar that would be as strong for its weight as a first class timber one, and that if sound hollow spars could be obtained they would be far superior. But owing to the lack of rigidity of the large Oregon pine spars, it was deemed advisable to make some steel ones as an experiment, and in the summer of 1895, we built a steel gaff and boom for DEFENDER [#452s], which were not only lighter but stiffer than the timber ones. probably they were not as strong at ultimate strength but stiffness and lightness was what we were after, and the steel ones proved [p. 2] best for the purposes. In 1899 we made some steel masts, both for DEFENDER and for COLUMBIA [#499s] that were lighter & stiffer than the timber ones, although I have always had doubts about them standing as great load as the Oregon pine. We have had two steel masts break, due to the spreader for the shrouds giving away. Under the same circumstances I think the wood spars would have broken too.
In the last few years we have been able to get a more satisfactory glue, and have built up a number of small and moderate sized spars which are lighter and stronger than steel ones and nearly as stiff, but they are not as durable, as the glue often fails or a check in the wood develops.
I wish to thank you for your offer to make tests, and possibly later on after confirming with Mr. Iselin will be very glad to avail our selves of it. [Undated, this is in response to or responding to the letter by John W. Butler dated January 2, 1903.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to John W. Butler. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_09960. Correspondence, Folder 29, formerly 148. No date (1903-01).)
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"[Item Transcription:] How long will it take to fit the spare rigging of the spare mast of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s]? Also about what would it cost? And could it be completed before the 15th of May? I of course refer only to the rigging which is a fixture on the mast and which could not be shifted from the present mast to the new one if necessary. Also do you expect to make the Snap Hooks as per drawing enclosed, which I believe are called the 'Into' patent, but in which also Mr. [Charlie] Barr has an interest? If so, I would also like to have some for Balloon Topsail and Jibtopsail. Will you kindly quote me prices on them.
I enjoyed myself so much in Bristol the other day that my description to Mrs. Morgan made her quite envious. With kind regards, believe me, ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38130. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-03-10.)
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"[Item Transcription:] With regard to the work to be done on the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s], will you kindly send the necessary workers to straighten out the stern post, as we will be launching off about the 1st of April. Of course, if it is too inconvenient to send men now, it could be done later in the season when on the ways, but I would prefer to have it done now.
Again, to what disadvantage would I be in having the running winches adjusted at City Island by your men as against sending to Bristol? The latter would be very inconvenient on account of the early racing, May 21st, but of course can be done if absolutely necessary. Let me know what you think about this please.
I have just asked the firm to put in work a new hollow topmast for me, and have told them that if the will rent the VANISH [#177p] to me till January 1st for $1500 I will then buy her for $3500." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38150. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-03-20.)
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"[Item Description:] Yours of March 22nd with the Blue Print has been received. Please accept my thanks for same. As it appears to be necessary, I will endeavor to arrange to send the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] to Bristol in time to get her back to the Sound by May 1st. How long will it take to straighten the stern post and adjust the winches? Kindly let me know as soon as possible and I will make the arrangements now." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38170. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-03-24.)
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"[Item Description:] Yours of 25th inst. received for which I am obliged. I have had Mr. Miller at the office and discussed the twisted portion of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s]. I find that it is not the stern post that is twisted as I had been given to understand, but the rudder post. The rudder generally swings without binding, but there was a time last summer that it is supposed to have jammed tight, the result of which was our getting in irons on that nice breezy day off Newport. The importance of being sure that the rudder will not jam at starts, or any other time, makes me most urgent in asking you to send to City Island as soon as possible the man you speak of as being competent to pass examination on it. He can make his examination and return without delay, as Miller will be there, the boat out of the water and everything in readiness. I propose to launch off early in April, which is my reason for asking that you send as soon as possible. I too am anxious that the straightening of this rudder and the installing of the winches should be done under your supervision and am therefore pushing everything to send the boat if possible to Bristol on April 20th. The topmast appeared to be in very good order. my idea was to have an extra one and I am very much disappointed that you are not able to provide it. Should, by any chance on further examination, I find that the glue is in any way wrong, I will forward it to you without delay." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38180. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-03-26.)
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"[Item Description:] I am exceedingly disappointed to find that my feeble attempt to help the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] in light airs seems to have gone wrong. The facts are that the wooden No. 1 Clubtopsail yard is this year about as I found it last year, and my reasons for wanting a steel yard are identical with those that I had at the time of ordering. You can therefore, very well see how disappointed I am not to have the yard that I ordered so early in the season, and I am going to ask you if you will not make it for me and with as much haste as possible. Please let me know what is the earliest date of delivery and I will then wire my definite decision on the matter. I trust that the 'RELIANCE' [#605s] is going on to your satisfaction, and that she will prove herself to be up to your highest expectations, is the wish of ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38250. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-05-14.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [In pencil:] Yours of 13th rec[eive]d today & I hastened to ask if you could fix the mainsail without the boat [#499s COLUMBIA]. It is impossible to send her as she hauls out tomorrow & races next Thursday. The mainsail is as near as possible like that of the RELIANCE [#605s]. Between AB & the dotted line CD the sail is thankfully smooth but without draft. For C to D it is very had and abaft of that the sail & leach hang to leeward. [Sketch.] Of course the moment any dampness appears in the air all the faults are accentuated. I would not attempt to make any suggestion as to how to make the alteration out from your letter feel that you know what to do. I am naturally anxious to get it fast as soon as possible as you well know I am anxious to use your sail, but at present I could not do so.
The present jib is tight on the lower part and loose in the leach & upper part. I mention this is reference to the new jib. With kind regards ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38260. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-05-15.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I find that the COLUMBIA's [#499s] forestay shows some weakness and I am therefore very anxious to obtain a new forestay. Can you not send on one of the new steel heartwise immediately, with riggers to splice it and put it in place? I suppose without doubt it will have to be spliced in position. Miller says that could easily be done by rigging a staging up in the necessary place. I would also like to get a topmaststay of the same kind, i.e. steel heart, if they are made that way. I am having so much difficulty in holding my jibtopsails in place. I am very sorry not to be able to show you the jibtopsails, which you made for me, in use, as I am certain that you could change them satisfactorily. At present I am obliged to use the last ones made in 1901 for the Cup Race, and they are by no means satisfactory. Can you not hurry up the track for the No. 3 Clubtopsail Yard? I suppose the shaft for the wheel started by express yesterday. I am hoping to get it to-day. I took my first sail with your new mainsail since you have altered it yesterday, and it is a pleasure to me to tell you how pleased I am with it so far. Once can never know the value of a sail until he has raced with it, but this looks just right. I should be greatly relieved and obliged to you if you would push the matter of the new forestay for me, and if possible, as I said before, send some riggers on with it to put it in place at once.
With kindest regards, ...
P.S. What would be the cost for a spare wheel [propeller] for the 'VANISH' [#177p]? Since writing the above I have had my conversation with you over the telephone. How is my Steel yard getting on and how soon may I expect to have it? Also please wire me how soon I may expect the new forestay?" (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38280. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-06-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am telephoning you to-day and wish to confirm it with this letter and possibly explain more clearly than I could over the telephone. At times I find it is very slippery behind the wheel [of #499s COLUMBIA] and as an aid I had about a yard and a half of sail cloth tacked down on the deck on the last race. This was of great assistance to me, and it occurred to me that I would like to have a piece of canvas there at all times, that is to say: one that I could take up when coming into port and put down again before going out to race. My idea would be to have it about 4 feet wide (fore and aft) and about 10 feet in length or athwartships, to be held down by 4 battens, the battens to be fastened to the deck by brass screws which would go though them and through the canvas and into brass sockets let into the deck. There should, I think, be 3 screws to each batten, or possibly 2 would do --- that you would understand. Can you make for me the battens, the screws and the sockets to be put in the deck so that I can have them within two or three days? You will greatly oblige me by pushing it along, as I think you can understand the difficulty, - with the great angle of heel and of keeping your footing after the decks become wet.
Incidentally I heard yesterday that the 'SHAMROCK' had ordered an entire new suit of sails from Ratsey's and that that they were very short of men. What do you think of the idea of offering some of your men to them if they have no work? In addition to being a very liberal thing, they probably might pick up some ideas as to methods, etc. I merely make the suggestion. Don't give it a second thought if it does not appeal to you." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38290. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-07-13.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you for letting me know about Mr Havemeyer.
I will write to him as you suggest.
Our committee has been asked to see the Cup races from CORSAIR so I hope to have a good chance to see RELIANCE [#605s] polish[?] off SHAMROCK.
What a fine race it was between the three [#499s COLUMBIA, #551s CONSTITUTION and #605s RELIANCE] in the trial race & what magnificent boats they are.
I wish I could alter COLUMBIA over & have her only draw ten feet, but you said it would be impossible. I like her to look at better than either of the new ones.
After the races are over, I hope you will drop into Hadley with your steamer [#215p ROAMER]." (Source: Forbes, J. Malcolm. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_13030. Correspondence, Folder 37, formerly 197. 1903-08-11.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Mr. Morgan has been asking about one of the masts of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] to make a flagstaff to replace one that has to come down on the spot where the British flag was hauled down on the evacuation of New York. I therefore write to ask how much work would be necessary on the one in Bristol before it would be suitable for that purpose? One of the old topmasts I imagine would serve perfectly well and could be shipped before raising. I also wish to know if this spar mast has ever been used on the 'COLUMBIA'.
It is a luxury to see the sun again after the fearful weather we have been having. With kindest regards to your family, believe me, very truly yours...
[P.S.] He, Mr. M[organ] wants information before he can answer the Park Commissioner etc." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38310. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-10-14.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you very much for yours of October 15th. Your reference to the staying of the mast has suggested the thought to me, that possibly this mast may not stand without shrouds. What is your opinion? Can it be erected and left without shrouds just as an ordinary wooden flagpole? This question of course is all important before I do any more about it, so I will be greatly obliged if you will drop me a line and give me your opinion on the subject.
About the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] nothing definite is yet known. I was ill with a cold at the time of the 'Cup Defense' evening at the [New York Yacht] Club and was unable to be there much to my regret, so I have not had an opportunity to discuss the question with any of my particular intimates like Mr. Morgan, Mr. Ledyard, etc." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38320. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-10-19.)
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"[Item Description:] Yours of October 21st has been received, for which please accept my thanks. At the earliest possible moment I will find out what, if anything, is to be done about the [#499s COLUMBIA] mast [as a flagpole in New York]. I had heard sometime ago about Mr. Plant's intentions as Mr. Robinson had spoken of them rather freely. I hope that the boat [#590s INGOMAR] will be successful and I see no reason why she should not be." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38330. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-10-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was very sorry to see in the paper that you were ill and was about to write you in the following day when I heard from Butler Duncan, I think, that your illness was only a cold and not at all serious, at which Mrs. Morgan and I were very much relieved. I want to ask you one more question about the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s]as I am expected to be thoroughly posted on all subjects concerning her. Do you think that with her lead cut off and put inside her giving a draught of about 16 feet that she would make a sufficiently fast yawl to be successful in racing on the other side? I am afraid that the penalty on draught is so great that I do not believe that as a schooner she would be able to give her time to the English schooners and particularly your own 'INGOMAR' [#590s]. What do you think? Do you think her better chance would be as a yawl and, if so, do you think that chance is intrinsically a good one? I am sorry to give you so much trouble, but you must look upon it as the penalty of being great. Of course I do not know that anything will come of it, but as I said before, I feel that I must be posted and accurately so. As soon as convenient I hope you will send me the deck plan [of #499s COLUMBIA] for the model maker [Gustav Grahn]. Incl. NGH reply: You know I have always a good opinion of COLUMBIA. I doubt very much if they have a faster boat on the other side of her size, but she would have to give BUNA[?] a lot of time allowance due to the peculiarities in their time allowance tables. I have no doubt but what COLUMBIA could be made into a a tiptop yawl. The reduction of draft could be very easily made and adding a little more ballast inside than would be taken from the keel would keep her stable stiff without increasing the wetted surface. As to the suggestion of a schooner & if she were ballasted a little deeper, making her somewhat over 90' lwl and a good sized rig given her, I should think she ought to give time to INGOMAR [#590s]. As to what she would do with what may be afloat in England in[?] next[?] year I am unable[?] to say.
I think you know I am not enthusiastic of us sending any boat over to race in British waters and I also donot approve of long ocean races.
I wish to thank you and Mrs Morgan for the interest in me during my recent illness, which by the way was not at all serious and only a few days duration and not at all as described in the papers.
With kind regards in which Mrs. H[erreshoff] joins, ..." (Source: Morgan, E.D. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38340. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-11-09.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Master model builder Gustav] Grahn is at work on a rigged model of the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] for Mr. [J.P.] Morgan. Will you kindly send me a plan of the deck with hatches, cleats, etc.? The model is to be on the same scale and to be a corresponding ornament to that of the DEFENDER [#452s] in the New York Yacht Club Room. So far I am inclined to think there is very little probability of anything being done with the 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] with a view to going abroad. You know that the Club are expecting to give a picture of the 'COLUMBIA' to Mr. Morgan. I went to see the first study which was very good and [George] Cormack and I tried to impress the artist that a reproduction of that in full size would be acceptable. I understand to-day, however, from Cormack that he has had some of his artistic friends assisting him and the effect is not as good, which is very disappointing. However, let us hope that it will turn out right in the end.
I told Mrs. Morgan that I was going to write to you to-day and she asked me to remember her kindly to Mrs. Herreshoff and joins with me in sending you best wishes with all the compliments of the season." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38360. Correspondence, Folder 75, formerly 61. 1903-12-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH. Relevant contents:
§8: Work Order '[For] Nos. 499 [#499s ] and 510 [#510s ]. [When wanted] Soon as possible, from the J. B. Carr Co. Troy … close link cable … Tested ... & certified.' (1899-04-15)
§9: Work Order '[For] Nos. 499 [#499s ] and 510 [#510s ]. [When wanted] Soon as possible, from Hazard Mfg Co. … Galv[anized] plow steel rope … Galv. crucible steel rope …' (1899)." (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 Transcription:] Since our conversation the other morning about COLUMBIA [#499s], I have been expecting to hear from you and not hearing I rather infer you have given up the project [of racing her in the German Emperor's 1905 trans-Atlantic Race], and hope you have. However, I have been thinking over what might be done with the boat to make her useful as a cruiser in case Mr. [J.P. or E.D.?] Morgan wanted to do anything to her.
I believe COLUMBIA might be made a good yacht of either sloop (with reduced rig), yawl or schooner, as desired, by re-rigging, strengthening the hull and cutting off the bottom of the lead, so to reduce the draft to not over 17 feet and stowing part of ballast inside. These changes would be of a permanent nature, and thus after these were done if a trans-Atlantic trip was contemplated other temporary strengthening could be done for the voyage.
If this work is desired we could do it, taking the vessel into our shop early in March or as soon as the ice is clear, and proceed with it immediately if the plans are matured before hand so that material could be got and the work on spars, rigging & sails underway in advance. [See also letter from Robert Bacon dated February 4, 1905 informing NGH that COLUMBIA won't be entered into the trans-Atlantic Race.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Bacon (Robert). Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_12730. Correspondence, Folder 36. 1905-01-15.)
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"[Item Transcription:] It has been decided not to sail[?] the COLUMBIA [#499s] in the Ocean Race. I am disappointed & great opportunity has been lost.
I should have very much liked to race her over & believe she would have won both the cup & great credit for you --- but - it is aselled[?] now odermise[?]. [No year, but believed to be 1905, the year of the great Ocean Race which ATLANTIC won. See also letter from NGH to Bacon dated January 15, 1905 discouraging him from entering COLUMBIA into the trans-Atlantic Race but outlining the modifications to be performed should she be entered.]" (Source: Bacon, Robert. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_44030. Correspondence, Folder 96, formerly 83. (1905 ?)-(02 ?)-04.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I received your very nice note this morning and curiously enough I was already intending to write you to-day in order to get some information for the use of Mr. Ledyard and myself. This question of a possible challenge from Lipton and his manner of getting at it, namely: wanting to formulate his conditions before he makes the challenge, is somewhat on our winds, and there are a number of ways of meeting such an occasion if it arises. There will undoubtedly be for one thing a great deal of difficulty in raising money for another boat on the scale of the four previous boats, and this must be taken into serious consideration. Therefore, we are anxious to have you figure out what could be done with the 'CONSTITUTION' [#551s] and 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] to make them meet the new rule, and how effective you think they would be against a boat designed in England also to meet that rule. I resume it will e a question of reducing their draft and adding small center boards; but the, without suggestion, we are anxious to know exactly what is your opinion in order that we may have an intelligent opinion if the question is to be considered from that point of view. Again, it is possible, considering the difficulty of raising money, that it might be advisable for us to defend with a '70' [New York 70] and make that a condition with Sir Thomas.
Now what I want to know is, what do you think would be the comparative probabilities of success as between a modern '70' and a modern '90' both in accordance with the New York Yacht Club rules, and what do you think would be the comparative probability of success between a modern '70' and the 'COLUMBIA' or 'CONSTITUTION' changed to meet the new rules? (What I mean is do you think you could design a 70 or a 90 more successfully & if so which.) All this has been a little difficult to express in a few words, but I think you will probably be able to gather the kind of information that we want. We would also like it as soon as you can conveniently give it to us, as I believe Sir Thomas is expected back very soon and proposes to have a conference with some of the members to get some idea what they will do. [Incl NGH reply (which appears to be incomplete at the beginning):] That the 82 rater could save her time allowance, and I think either CONST[ITUTION] or COL[UMBIA] would have a very good show in the prevailing light weather against any craft built to the present rules.
I suppose SHAMROCK III is now eligible to challenge again and would rate as low or lower than our two boats. The best SHAMROCK is broken up.
Please give my best regards to Mr. Ledyard [remainder of this sentence crossed out:] and tell him, if he comes to Newport now[?] I hope he could run up and see me or I might run to Newport to see him on a Sunday.
Yours sincerely,
P.S. I hope you will understand my position. At heart I am ready to do anything for the defense of the Cup, but there is no denying the fact that age and had[?] work are telling on me I find I can no longer work early mornings and evenings in designing and then[?] look after the work all day as formerly and I feel very much handicapped even in the ordinary daily occupation[?]. To properly carry thru a cup defender requires a younger and stronger man than I am. There are several bright young men now in the profession and I[?] must[?] resign to this[?].
[This paragraph crossed out:] In taking 82 rating for 90' is only about the proportion now used in the smaller classes. Of course that proportion may not be carried out particularly when w.l. is limited. 90 or 95 is more likely to be the rating a designer w[ou]ld select.
N.G.H." (Source: Morgan, E.D. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38430. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1906-10-10.)
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"[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).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH titled 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Orders from N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§15: Work Order [For] #499s. [When wanted] Soon. Wire rope (1901-05-22)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Order Book. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE08_03460. Folder [no #]. 1900-02 to 1909-10.)
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 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 ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯ ⑰ ⑱ ⑲ ⑳ ㉑ ㉒ ㉓ ㉔ ㉕

"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections with displacement curve titled 'Experimental model [apparently Model 0930] for improved Sonder class boat [#191009es]. May 11, 1910. Scale 1in. Before sandpapering'. With note 'See other sheet of May 16 [1910]'. With calculations arriving at a total displacement of 76cuft = 4780lbs and a wetted surface of 198.5sqft. With three displacement curves, two being labeled #499 [COLUMBIA]. On verso another set of penciled pantograph sections with calculations arriving at a total displacement of 85cuft or 5350lbs." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_01240. Folder [no #]. 1910-05-11.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled tabulated data showing 'Base/w.l.', 'Base/P1', '% J&B Base', '% Mast stop to w.l.', '% Sq-rt(S) to w.l.', 'Stability moment[?] / Water L[?] outboard' and 'Rating' for 'RELIANCE [#605s]', 'CONSTITUTION [#551s], 'COLUMBIA [#499s], 'AVENGER [#666s], 'AURORA CLASS [#667s New York 57 Class], '711 Class [#711s New York 50 Class], '725 D (9150 S) [#725s RESOLUTE with 9150sqft sail area]' and '725 D (8225 S) [RESOLUTE with 8225sqft]'. On verso of printed card from Browning, King & Co. acknowledging 'receipt of your favor'." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0599. WRDT08, Folder 45. No date (1913 ??).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Just a few lines to tell you that Lipton has again shifted his position and withdraws his offer to race with a 75 footer under our present rules of measurement and insists upon a 90 footer, but he will race a 75 foot L.W.L., under rules of 1902. The Committee will meet on Monday to consider this last phase and I am anxious to obtain your views previous to the meeting. Would 'COLUMBIA' [#499s] make a good trial boat for a 90 footer to be designed under our present rating rule, and would you give me in a rough way approximate dimensions and sail area of the new boat? If 'COLUMBIA' would make a good trial boat it would seem that we were not in such a bad position as this would provide racing for the new boat. On the other hand, if we should accept with a 75 footer under the 1902 rule I fear we would not have a boat that would give her any real racing; consequently would suffer in giving the skipper and crew experience, so please to give to me your views on all these matters.
I am sending this letter at once with hasty delivery stamp, hoping that it will reach you in time to receive an answer by Monday. With best regards, ... [Incl NGH draft reply on verso:] Sat pm May 19
Dear Mr Cormack
Lipton appears to be vascilating[?] in a manner that is misterious[?] and without plausable[?] reason.
I am quite of the opinion it would be wiser to take the larger boat for the following reasons:
1st. Seventyfive footers under the old rule would make good racing as probably there would be several built to compete in the trial races, but after that was over they would be of no use and very little value.
2nd We have always favored[?] the largest and fastest boat allowable under the rules as being the proper candidate for 'the ribbon of the seas'.
3 Ninety footers under the present[?] rule would probably be good useful yachts after the racing was over.
4 COLUMBIA [#499s] would certainly make a good candidate under the present rules, as she has the advantage of being free from the draft limit and with about 3 1/2 ft more draft than any new boats w[ou]ld be allowed. A new boat under the present [Universal] rule would probably rate between 92 and 96. Columbia rating is about 108.5 and in 30 miles would have to give only between 8.54 sec and 6min-33sec to the new craft and when there in wind enough to make a race she would stand an even chance at least.
I would not dare give any definite dimensions of a new boat, but she w[ou]ld probably be as long as COLUMBIA on deck, draft limited[?] to 16.1 feet and displacement to to[sic] 6300 cuft. Her rig would probably be smaller than COLUMBIA.
If you think it w[ou]ld be any helpful[?] I could make a trip to N.Y. Monday, leaving here at 9-45 and arriving in NY at 3 pm., but I don't care to unless it is necessary as i am quite buisy[sic] here.
With kind regards ..." (Source: Cormack, George A. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24740. Subject Files, Folder 2, formerly 96-100. 1913-05-16.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled diagram titled 'Stability curves. Scale 200ft tons per inch' comparing America's Cup yachts (from most to least stability) #605s RELIANCE, #499s COLUMBIA, #451s NIAGARA, #435s COLONIA, #437s VIGILANT and #429s NAVAHOE. Undated, mention of RELIANCE from 1903 indicates a year of 1903 or later with 1913 when #725s RESOLUTE was designed being the most likely one." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. (creator). Stability Curves. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0602. WRDT08, Folder 45. No date (1913-09 ???).)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) rating rule-related table on two pages with dimensions LOA, LWL, overhang fore & aft, mean length, freeboard fore & center & aft, breadth deck & w.l., draft, cube-root (displacement), 1st mast mean length, 1st to 2nd mast, J, P1, H1, B1, G1, V1, T1, P2, P2a, H2, B2, Q2, Y2,T2, sail area, sqrt(SA), sqrt(SA - NYYC Rule) for #605s RELIANCE, #499s COLUMBIA, #725s RESOLUTE, #529s MINEOLA, #663s ISTALENA, #666s AVENGER, New York 50s (#711s, #712s, #713s, #714s, #715s, #716s, #717s, #720s, #721s), #411s GLORIANA, #685s ADVENTURESS, #617s COCK ROBIN II, #586s NELLIE, #709s JOYANT, #708s CORINTHIAN, #670s SENECA, Bar Harbor 31s (#592s, #593s, #594s, #595s, #596s, #597s, #598s, #599s, #600s, #601s, #602s, #603s, #604s), New York 30s (#626s, #627s, #628s, #629s, #630s, #631s, #632s, #633s, #635s, #636s, #637s, #638s, #639s, #640s, #642s, #643s, #647s, #648s), Newport 29s (#727s, #728s, #737s), #691s MORE JOY, #446s ALERION II, Buzzards Bay 550s (#733s, #734s, #736s, #738s, #741s), #617s COCK ROBIN II, #493s JILT, #732s SADIE, #460s KILDEE, Buzzards Bay 15s (#503s Class), Buzzards Bay 12 1/2s (#744s Class), #703s FLYING CLOUD, #669s ELEANOR, #722s KATOURA, #692s WESTWARD, #657s QUEEN, #719s VAGRANT II, #698s VAGRANT, #663s ISTALENA, and #743s HASWELL. With penciled note 'Measurements in ft & inches. Results in ft & decimals'. Undated (the youngest boat on this list is from 1914/1915 and this was probably prepared in preparation for NGH's sail area rating rule of 1914/1915)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Handwritten Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE15_00100. Folder [no #]. No date (1914 / 1915 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Alte's [E. D. Morgan's] death was a shock coming so soon after Butler's [Duncan], everyone connected with #437s VIGILANT, #452s DEFENDER, #499s COLUMBIA, #551s CONSTITUTION and #605s RELIANCE have passed away, as a matter of fact you and I are the only ones left that have been connected with the Cup since 1885, you before that date, yachting is slim, George Nichols telephoned that VANITIE beat #1147s WEETAMOE handily" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_18200. Correspondence, Folder 49, formerly 76. 1933-06-19.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in pencil and ink) table titled 'Examples in Formulating Measurement Rule, Sept 1933' and providing data for LOA, LWL, Length quarter beam plane, Q.B.L., Mean beam, Draft, Freeboard, Displacement, Sail Ara, Rating by Universal Rule, Corrected length, Sailing Length, Power Number Pn, Draft Limits for Racing and Cruising Yachts and others for a #722s KATOURA, #692s WESTWARD, #719s VAGRANT, #698s QUEEN MAB ex-VAGRANT I, #499s COLUMBIA, #725s RESOLUTE, New York 50 Class, #703s FLYING CLOUD, New York 30 Class, #461s COCK ROBIN, #732s SADIE, and Buzzards Bay 15 Class. Undated (part of NGH's Power number (Pn) measurement rule from September 1933)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_74060. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 2), Folder B2F09, formerly MRDE15. No date (ca1933-09).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Third of January Nineteen thirty-four
Dear Nat:-
I was glad to get your letter. I am fairly well but more or less twisted up with rheumatism - I hope that you are in good health.
Once again I am on an America's Cup Committee and it certainly furnishes an abundant amount of occupation.
We are the only ones left of those who participated so successfully in the defense of the Gup years ago - as you say others now have the work that was allotted to you in the past. I too trust they will have the same success but they never can produce such boats as you did - you stand alone in that and if it had not been for your designs of VIGILANT [#437s], DEFENDER [#452s], COLUMBIA [#499s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], AND RESOLUTE [#725s], we would have had no success to-day.
When the new boat progresses and takes some definite form, weather permitting, I shall journey down to Bristol and we can have a long talk over the good old days.
With all best wishes and hoping that you will have the best of New Year's, ..." (Source: Cormack, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_04060. Correspondence, Folder 15, formerly 107. 1934-01-03.)
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"[Item Description:] Photograph of the East side of NGH's model room at Love Rocks. NGH's recording anemoter installed in front of the fireplace. [America's] Cup Defenders from top to bottom shown: DEFENDER [#452s], COLUMBIA [#499s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RESOLUTE [#725s], RELIANCE [#605s], KATOURA [#722s], possibly one designed for Kaiser Wilhelm. [The list of models is correct, the photo does not show a model designed for Kaiser Wilhelm. Visible in the backgrond is also #187504es Amaryllis Model Yacht (made from paper mache).]" (Source: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.206. Photograph. Box HAFH.6.7B, Folder Photograph. No date (after 1938 ???).)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #499s Columbia even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Chevalier, Francois and Jacques Taglang. America's Cup Yacht Designs 1851-1986. Paris, 1987.
  Vessel biographies, large-scale sail and lines plans.
• Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "Specifications for a racing sloop yacht being No. 499 [Columbia] on the list of The Herreshoff Mfg. Co." No place [Bristol], no date [September? 1898]. (1,037 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: Yes, used with permission. Copyright holder: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Vessel specifications for #499s Columbia.
• Anon. "Work at Bristol." Forest and Stream, April 1, 1899, p. 233. (525 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: No. Vessel building progress report. Details about the wooden spars made by the Boston Spar Company which made spars for many other large Herreshoff vessels including Defender, Vigilant, Colonia and Navahoe.

• Columbia (HMCo-made index card)
• Columbia (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: Columbia
Type: Cutter
Length: 89'
Owner: Iselin, C. O., Syndicate

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

• Columbia
• 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: Columbia
Type: 89' 9" cutter
Owner: J. P. Morgan
Year: 1899
Row No.: 126

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.

Month: Sept
Day: 28
Year: 1898
E/P/S: S
No.: 0499
Name: Columbia
Rig: Cutter
K: y
Ballast: Lead
Amount: 90000.00
Last Name: Iselin & Synd.
First Name: C. O.

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.

"Built in 255 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $353/day, 1286 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. July 30, 2024.)

"N/A"

"Sail area 13880 sqft from untitled two-page rating-rule-related table handwritten (in ink) by N. G. Herreshoff with multiple dimensions for the most important Herreshoff-designed yachts. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. MRDE15, Folder [no #]. Undated (the most recent boat dates 1914/1915 and the table was probably prepared in preparation for NGH's sail area rating rule of 1914/1915)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. September 16, 2020.)

"[Sail area 13135 sq. ft.]" (Source: Chevalier, Francois and Jacques Taglang. America's Cup Yacht Designs 1851-1986, Paris, 1987, p. 245.)

"[Displacement (148.7 tons).]" (Source: Chevalier, Francois and Jacques Taglang. America's Cup Yacht Designs 1851-1986, Paris, 1987, p. 245.)

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