HMCo #551s Constitution

"[1900-11-13] Tue 13: Very fine [with] SW [wind]. Made contract with A[ugust] Belmont for new cup defender [#551s Constitution] & left for home at 5PM.
[1900-12-22] Sat 22: Light fall of snow last ev[ening]. Very fine [with] light NW & S [wind]. Cast lead keel for cup defender #551 [Constitution] in 6-1/2 hours.
[1900-12-24] Mon 24: Short but h[eav]y S rain storm last night. Fog today & warm. Nearly calm. ... 1st shipment of Tobin bronze arrived for #551 [Constitution].
[1901-01-08] Tue 8: Very fine. Keel for new Cup defender [#551s Constitution] bolted to lead and all in place to be built on. Ran level line around shop to set up frames.
[1901-01-31] Thu 31: Began laying out plating of #551 [Constitution]. Frames all up in middle body and end ones about ready to go up.
[1901-02-02] Sat 2: 2 plates up on #551 [Constitution]. ...
[1901-02-06] Wed 6: NW gale & cold. 8 plates on #551 [Constitution]. ...
[1901-02-10] Sun 10: Strong gale [from the] NW. Clear & cold. ... There are 21 plates on #551 [Constitution] and frames are up nearly to stem.
[1901-02-17] Sun 17: Very fine & mild [with] mod[erate] NW [wind]. There are 32 plates on #551 [Constitution] and two more are fitted. Stringers are nearly all in place and some of the deck stringers are fitted.
[1901-02-24] Sun 24: NE snow storm last night, clearing after sunrise. 4in. [of] snow. 45 plates on #551 [Constitution] and about 1/2 of them riveted. ...
[1901-02-28] Thu 28: Strong WNW [wind], cold & clear. Began assembling mast for #537 [sic. This would be the tiny Woods Hole spritsail boat Gee which had already been launched the previous year. NGH probably meant #551s Constitution. In subsequent entries he would repeat this error.].
[1901-03-03] Sun 3: Fine [with] fresh NE [wind in] AM and SE [in] PM. 1st SE wind for several months. There are 60 outside plates on #551 [Constitution] and 8 deck stringer plates. Many of the deck plates are ready to be galvanized.
[1901-03-12] Tue 12: Strong WNW [wind] & fair. Began riveting up mast for #537 [sic, apparently #551s Constitution.] Working galvanizing plant day & night in work for #537 [sic, apparently #551s].
[1901-04-26] Fri 26: NE gale [&] cloudy. ... Part of crew of Constitution [#551s] arrived.
[1901-05-06] Mon 6: Very fine [with] N [wind in] AM, [changing to] SSW in PM. Launched Constitution #551 at 8:30 in [the] evening. Many visitors here.
[1901-05-07] Tue 7: Very fine & clear [with] SSW [wind]. Mr. Terry here with [his derrick steamer] Archer and stepped mast of Constitution [#551s].
[1901-05-16] Thu 16: Very fine & warm. L[igh]t N [wind] early, [then] mod[erate] SSW [wind] in PM. Hung boom on Constitution [#551s]. ...
[1901-05-18] Sat 18: Overcast and began to rain in forenoon, settling into a wet N[orth]easterly in PM. Hauled Constitution [#551s] out into deep water [to be] ready for trial, but was prevented by rain.
[1901-05-20] Mon 20: Overcast & make 1.88in. of rain thus far. No trial of Constitution [#551s] today. ...
[1901-05-21] Tue 21: Cleared in forenoon & warmer. Made a trial of Constitution [#551s] in the lower bay. Returned early to begin fitting lower preventer stay.
[1901-05-25] Sat 25: Cold NE rain in PM. Constitution [#551s] delivered over, and left for Newport in tow.
[1901-05-30] Thu 30 Fair & nearly calm. ... Constitution [#551s] towed up from Newport to have change made in runners during Mr. Duncan's absence.
[1901-06-01] Sat 1: NE [wind] & overcast. Off in Constitution [#551s] for a while in PM. Everything working well.
[1901-06-02] Sun 2: Calm early ... Constitution [#551s] towed to Newport. ...
[1901-06-04] Tue 4: Very fine & warm. L[igh]t WNW [wind] in forenoon. Went to Newport by rail & off in Constitution [#551s] in PM. Broke mast outside of Brentons Reef. Thunder squall at 6PM.
[1901-06-05] Wed 5: Very fine. Constitution [#551s] towed here and mast removed by [Capt. Terry's derrick steamer] Archer to be repaired.
[1901-06-13] Thu 13: Very fine. L[igh]t S [wind]. Hauled out Constitution [#551s] to clean in PM. ...
[1901-06-15] Sat 15: Sharp NE squall about 2:30 AM. Fresh NE [wind] & overcast. Stepped mast in Constitution [#551s] after being repaired.
[1901-06-17] Mon 17: Very fine & cool. SSW [wind in] PM. ... Constitution [#551s] rigged and towed to Newport. I went as far as Greendale[?] in her.
[1901-06-20] Thu 20: Very fine [with] fresh S [wind]. Constitution [#551s] here to have some little things done in rigging & towed to Newport.
[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.
[1901-07-06] Sat 6: Fair with light E [wind]. 1st race of Newport Asso[iation] for 90 footers & easily won by Constitution [#551s]. Independence badly beaten.
[1901-07-08] Mon 8: Fine [with] light N & SW [wind]. 2nd Newport Asso[iation] race won by Constitution [#551s]. Beat Columbia [#499s] [by] 30 s[econds] and Independence [by] 1 [minute] 23 [seconds]. ...
[1901-07-17] Wed 17: Hauled out Constitution [#551s] to prepare for NYYC cruise.
[1901-07-19] Fri 19: Launched Constitution [#551s] & towed[?] of W. ...
[1901-07-27] Sat 27: Very fine [with] mod[erate] SW [wind]. ... Constitution [#551s] launched from ways. Damage by striking in race [was] very slight.
[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].
[1901-09-09] Mon 9: Very cool early. Clear [with] N [wind] ch[anging] to SW in PM. Constitution [#551s] arrives to strip, ready for laying up.
[1901-11-12] Tue 12: Nearly calm with light rain nearly all day. Falling barometer. Tug arrived to tow Constitution [#551s] to N[ew] London, but did not start.
[1901-11-16] Sat 16: Fine & clear [with] strong SW to W [wind]. Constitution [#551s] towed to New London to be laid up. ...
[1903-03-04] Wed 4: Very fine [with] mod[erate] S [wind] & clear. Mr. Morgan here. Constitution [#551s] arrived in tow from N[ew] London.
[1903-03-05] Thu 5: Light air & calm. L[igh]t rain in afternoon. Hauled Constitution [#551s] in to the dock.
[1903-03-12] Thu 12: Very fine, clear & warmer. NE [wind in] AM. Calm & SW [in] PM. Set up new sheers at north wharf. Brought Constitution's [#551s] mast from cove.
[1903-03-19] Thu 19: Cloudy ... Fine with fresh SW [wind]. Stepped mast in Constitution [#551s]. ...
[1903-03-27] Fri 27: Very fine [with] fresh WSW [wind &] clear. [Well-known rigger from Boston] Billman finished rigging Constitution [#551s].
[1903-04-09] Thu 9: Very fine [with] l[igh]t NW [wind] in AM. Fresh SW [in] PM. ... Constitution [#551s] warped out from wharf.
[1903-04-18] Sat 18: Very fine [with] SW [wind] in forenoon. Heavy NW in PM. Constitution [#551s] left in tow. ...
[1903-05-09] Sat 9: Very fine & warm. L[igh]t E [wind]. Reliance [#605s] arrived early. Went off in forenoon trying sails. Took sails to loft to air. Constitution [#551s] left in tow of Latotita[?]." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1900 to 1903. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"... Constitution [Name], 551 [Building Number], 110.3 [Rating], 89.44 [Waterline], 87.66 [L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule], 23.95 [B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule], 19.6 [d = draft of water as for Universal Rule], 5,420 [D = displacement in cubic foot as for Universal Rule (= 346,880 lbs or 154.9 long tons)], 14815 [Sail Area], 14000 [Sail limit Present rule], 815 [Diff.], 12950 [Sail limit Proposed rule], 1865 [Diff.], Rigged for racing [Notes] ..." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule Formula." Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907 with later additions. Original handwritten (in ink) document with penciled additions. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080.)

"Coconut Grove, Florida May 15, 1930
Wm. P. Stevens Esq. [corrected to Stephens] Lloyds Yacht Register, New York.
Dear Mr. Stevens- [corrected to Stephens] ... CONSTITUTION was a faster boat than COLUMBIA, and if Charles Barr had been on board her instead of COLUMBIA she would have been the defender in 1901. In CONSTITUTION the construction was way ahead of the earlier craft, and amply strong and durable for a good 90 ft. yacht. It was a shame that she went to a junk dealer, for with [the] reasonable care that any yacht should have, she would be running today.
... I happen to have my record book of later designs with me, and I have taken the following data from it which will indicate my Cup defenders were not light displacement yachts, and the percentage of ballast quite ordinary, and not mere racing machines that you like to call them.
CONSTITUTION
L.w.l. 89'6". Displacement 5420 cu.ft. = 17.53, & 19.6% l.w.l.
Displ. 174.0 tons. Ballast 96.5 tons, = 55.2% of displ.
... The 1930 Cup defenders built to Lloyds rules and with narrow, compact form of hulls and small and simple rigs have nearly the same percentage of ballast to displacement as RELIANCE and earlier Cup defenders of my design.
Very truly yours,
Nathanael G. Herreshoff" (Source: Letter 1. From N. G. Herreshoff to W. P. Stephens, dated May 15, 1930. In: Herreshoff, Nathanael Greene and William Picard Stephens. "Their Last Letters 1930-1938." Annotated by John W. Streeter. Bristol, R. I., ca. 1999, p. 1-5.)

"Ed. Note: N.G.H., in notes in the margin of Stone's The America's Cup Races: '...CONSTITUTION lost my oversight, beside being sailed by a man that was no match for COLUMBIA'S helmsman.' " (Source: Streeter, John W. Editorial note. In: Herreshoff, Nathanael Greene and William Picard Stephens. "Their Last Letters 1930-1938." Annotated by John W. Streeter. Bristol, R. I., ca. 1999, p. 14.)

"The next challenge was also from Thomas Lipton and with another SHAMROCK, designed this time by Watson, the former one being designed by Will Fife, Jr.
This challenge was given in the summer of 1900, and August Belmont was at [the] head of a syndicate [of] owners, who selected Butler Duncan as manager, for Ollie Iselin was then broken down in health. In this boat, I spent much thought in the construction of [the] hull and worked out a longitudinal plan of framing and the hull was the lightest and strongest yet built and she might have been quite long-lived had she not very soon gone to junk dealers, so to close the syndicate. The longitudinal construction of CONSTITUTION was several years before the well known Isherwood patents in England for [the] longitudinal construction of vessels. Butler Duncan was very sincere and loyal to his country and decided to have his crew all native born. He passed by taking Charlie Barr, who had become a naturalized citizen, and unwisely selected a 'schooner man' for sailing master. This was done also in [the] case of VIGILANT's sailing master, who failed. 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 CONSTITUTION'S first trial under sail, one of the main spreaders crushed, and the mast went over the side. This was in the opening below Castle Hill, and was a most serious accident, for a spare steel mast was just begun and it took three or four weeks to finish. In the first two races, CONSTITUTION showed her ability to beat COLUMBIA quite easily. The Boston built scow type defender INDEPENDENCE was way behind in light weather and [at] any time, except in a reach in strong wind, was not fast.
After CONSTITUTION'S second race, I was disabled by malaria and did not sail any more that season. 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. 65-67, 70.)

"N. G. HERRESHOFF 6 WALLEY STREET BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Feb. 4, 1934 [sic, i.e. 1935] Dear Francis, ... the modern high rig requires more stability and therefor more beam than rigs of my day, and that very much more stability for the sail area is now required. I hope you will think this over and if you think it advisable you might do as I did when "Constitution" was built. i.e. - re-drew the body plan as laid down, using a brass shrink (or double shrink) rule for all breadth measurments - And she prooved not too wide or able, and was decidedly the best cup yacht up to that date. ... Yours affect Father" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 7: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. HERRESHOFF 6 WALLEY STREET BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Feb. 7. 1934. [sic, i.e. 1935] Dear Francis, ... The comparison between Constitution and Reliance is interesting. Both were nearly 90' w.l. [waterline] C - about 128 ft o.a. [over all] and R - 142' o.a. [over all] R- had much fuller waterlines and a little more beam & displacment which gave her ability to carry a larger rig. R was a little faster to windward, and always faster down wind, but in reaching, and particularly in fresh winds C was the fastest. Vigilant had fuller water lines at ends and decidedly longer body than either Valkyrie or Brittannia, with rig of about same proportions, but not so refined, nor so good crew, making allowance for crew Vig - was quite as good in light weather and faster in strong breezes, and particularly reaching, and could gain 1/4 min per mile or more perhaps 1/3 min. ... Your affect - Father." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 10: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"June 19, 1937
Dear Mr. Stephens -
... I was really grieved when CONSTITUTION was sold to be broken up as junk, for she was built with an eye to durability as well as reasonable strength; and had Butler Duncan put a good crew in her, I still believe would have easily won out. This started the fashion of disposing of all ex-Cup defence yachts to junkmen. ...
Very truly yours,
Nathl G. Herreshoff" (Source: Letter 31. From N. G. Herreshoff to W. P. Stephens, dated June 19, 1937. In: Herreshoff, Nathanael Greene and William Picard Stephens. "Their Last Letters 1930-1938." Annotated by John W. Streeter. Bristol, R. I., ca. 1999, p. 185-186.)

"... 'Constitution,' was one of Captain Nat's best designs and the first yacht, or, for that matter, vessel, that was built with the so-called longitudinal form of construction, which means she had her frames running fore and aft. This longitudinal framing is supported, or held in place, by deep web frames which, of course, hold the vessel in perfect shape as far as her sections are concerned. This is the lightest known system of framing because the continuous longitudinals make a bridge structure or girder of the hull, while the deep section web frames will resist athwartship strains far better than numerous shallow frames, and these are the reasons why, fifty years after the 'Constitution,' almost all scientifically built steamers are constructed this way. ...
While the greatest advances in the design of 'Constitution' were structural, her model, as we look at it today, would appear also better than 'Reliance' for light and medium weather, particularly if there was a choppy head sea. While the public and all writers of that time think Captain Nat made a failure in 'Constitution' because 'Columbia' was chosen to defend the cup in 1901, Captain Nat always thought 'Constitution' the best of his large cup boats --- better than 'Columbia' or 'Reliance' --- and the general public has overlooked the fact that 'Constitution' easily beat 'Columbia' in 1903 when both 'Columbia' and 'Constitution' were trial horses for 'Reliance.' ... 'Constitution' also had many refinements in rig, including worm gear backstay winches worked from below deck." (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. 220-221.)

"Mr and Mrs J B Herreshoff and designer Nat Herreshoff went to New York Tuesday [November 13, 1900] by steamer from Fall River for a few days' stay. It is believed that the Herreshoff's visit to the metropolis is on business connected with the building of the new yacht to defend the America cup, and that the contract with the new syndicate to build the yacht will be signed by the world-renowned yacht builders before their return." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, November 16, 1900, p. 2.)

"Each of the two yachts that are being built for the defense of the 'America' cup will present decided features of novelty among boats of their size and purpose. The Crowninshield yacht [Independence], as we pointed out in our issue of March 30, presents novelty of form, being for a 90-foot craft a wide departure from the Herreshoff model, and a purely original creation. The new Bristol boat, on the other hand, will adhere closely to the 'Columbia' [#499s] in form, but will differ radically from her in construction, her designer having broken away from traditional ideas ---at least, in yacht construction --- by substituting longitudinal framing for the transverse framing by which, from time immemorial, the boat· builder has given his craft the necessary strength. In the transverse system, as followed in 'Independence,' the form of the boat is preserved by 79 frames, spaced 21 1/2 inches apart (not 2 1/2 feet, as, by a typographical error, was stated in our last issue), and the longitudinal strength is afforded by tie-rod trussing in the overhangs, by side and bilge stringers, and by the natural resistance to distortion of the hull and deck plating, acting in a general way as a tubular girder. On this system, the transverse framing is the fundamental feature, and the longitudinal system is subsidiary to it. In the new Bristol boat, the main framing is longitudinal, and the transverse frames are worked in as subordinate and auxiliary. The result is a reduction in the total weight of material for a given strength. The idea is new in yachts, but not in naval architecture, Brunel having built the 'Great Eastern' half a century ago on this system. It is stated that Herreshoff has reduced hull weights 25 per cent as compared with 'Columbia.' This is manifestly impossible; if he has saved from 7 to 10 per cent, he has done well." (Source: Anon. "Longitudinal Framing For The Herreshoff Cup-Yacht." Scientific American, April 6, 1901, p. 201.)

"Bristol, April 12 [1901]. --- Most of the thick staging surrounding the boat has been taken down and yesterday the work or burnishing the Tobin bronze plating of the hull has begun. This work is being done by a new method devised by Capt. Nat Herreshoff, the designer. Two lines of temporary shafting have been set up close to the side of the boat, one low down near the keel and the other at the height of the rail of the yacht. On each of these shafts is a small pulley two feet wide on the face.
Connecting these pulleys is a belt twenty-three inches wide, to the outer face of which is fastened emery cloth. The pulleys are revolved rapidly by steam power, and several workmen are employed in holding the belt against the side of the boat by means of broom handles passed through the belt, which is sufficiently slack to admit of the emery cloth on its surface being brought into contact with the curved surfaces from below the bilge to the eheer strake. By this novel method a strip of the bronze twenty-three inches wide from the top to the keel of the boat is polished in a very few moments so that it shines like a wedding ring.
Keeping ahead of the polishers is a gang of men with long files which have a handle like a jackplane. These men are trimming up the countersunk heads of the rivets which fasten the plates to the frames, and after the polishing belt has gone over the rivet's it is difficult to see where they are, so fine is the workmanship. ...
The utmost surprise is manifested at the radical departure from the usual methods of construction. Instead of the time-honored ribs or frames of steel, extending from keel to rail, all the frames extend from bow to stern and are riveted to heavy disks of steel cut to the shape of a cross section of the boat. These disks are placed eight feet apart inside the boat, and the greater portion of the middle of each is cut away, with the twofold purpose of saving weight and leaving the interior open from stem to stern. Perhaps no clearer explanation of this novel method of yachting construction can be given in words than to say that the hull of the boat is built on the same plan as the steel mast, which has steel bulbed angles extending through its entire length, with circular disks of steel as braces located a few feet apart. That it is an experiment cannot be denied, but Cap't Nat's experiments have a habit or being about the right thing, because there is no guesswork about them, but plenty of the scientific calculation for which he is noted, and it is probable that the building of the Constitution will mark a new era In yachting construction."(Source: Anon. "Nearly Ready to Launch. ... Burnishing Tobin Bronze Plates." New York Sun, April 13, 1901, p. 4.)

"... The crew [of #551s Constitution] has made good progress in burnishing the bronze exterior of the boat during the past few days, and the topsides are now receiving the first coat of white paint. The work of covering the galvanized steel deck with cork-surfaced material is also progressing satisfactorily. Yesterday workmen sawed a piece out of the west end of the south shop above the doors used at launchings, which indicates that the Constitution will need more room in passing out of the shop than did her sister defenders." (Source: Anon. "Launching Date Not Yet Given Out." Bristol Phoenix, May 3, 1901, p. 1.)

"Amid the discharge of guns from the yachts in the harbor and the cheers of the spectators the Constitution, embodying the genius of America's foremost naval designer, and the hopes of the New York Yacht Club went slowly and carefully, into Bristol harbor last night, from the south shop at Herreshoffs. Darkness prevailed at the time of the launching, but the electric lights from the shop shone out on the water through the big launching doors, and, with the addition of a search light from the steam yacht Colonia, illuminated the boat so that she was plainly visible even from the shore.
It was exactly 8.33 when Capt. Nat. Herreshoff, the designer, who was on deck, pulled the cord which rang the signal gong near the steam windlass. Engineer Jas. T. Robertson started the engine and the drum immediately began to revolve paying out the steel cable which held the cradle and its precious contents and the boat began to move very slowly toward the water. Just at this time Mrs. W. Butler Duncan, Jr., wife of the manager of the boat, who was standing on a platform near the bow, broke a bottle of American champagne on the stem and said: 'I christen thee Constitution.' The bottle was suspended by a blue ribbon at a point just above the water line of the starboard side of the boat, and as Mrs. Duncan broke it with an ordinary hammer, the liquid splashed over her face-and black gown, and some of the spectators about 20 feet below the platform received a share of the spray. Souvenir hunters scrambled for pieces of the bottle immediately after they fell. There was no exciting rush down the well greased ways as as the case at the launching of Vigilant [#437s] and Defender [#452s], but like Columbia [#499s] she moved toward the water slowly, the big steel cradle in which she rested being controlled by a cable attached to a powerful steam windlass in the shop. The cradle rolled on flanged iron wheels over heavy rails extending about three hundred feet out into the water. So slowly was the cable unwound that it was fully four minutes after the start before the keel struck the water and 10 minutes more were consumed before the yacht was in water deep enough to float her. After the fastenings of the cradle had been removed it was drawn back into the shop and the Constitution was turned around and tied up to the north wharf.
When the long overhanging stern had first cleared the shop, one of her crew, who had been lying on the deck, sprang to his feet and erected an American yachting ensign, which was greeted with loud shouts. When the midship section appeared a string of signal flags was seen flying from a short jury-mast. The signals were those of August Belmont, James Stillman, Oliver H. Payne, Frederick G. Bourne and Henry M. Walters, members of the syndicate which built the yacht, and the flag of Mr. Duncan, the manager of the boat, and at the bow was the flag of the New York Yacht Club. As soon as the boat was clear of the shop one of W. Butler Duncan's friends on the North wharf proposed 'Three cheers for the Constitution,' and they were given with a will. Soon the tall form of Capt Nat Herreshoff was noticed among his employees and members of the crew on, deck, and some one cried, 'Three cheers for Nat Herreshoff.' ...
The steam derrick tug Archer came into the harbor early this morning and is ready to step the Constitution's mast. The top­mast, an Oregon pine stick about 70 feet a foot in diameter, was carried into the north shop this morning by 30 of the crew and the heel of the spar was buried in the telescoping arrangement at the head of the steel mainmast. Workmen are busy on the deck of the Constitution this morning and there will be no delay in preparing the yacht for her first sail trial." (Source: Anon. "The Constitution Launched. She Slid Safely Off The Ways Last Evening." Bristol Phoenix, May 7, 1901, p. 1.)

"Constitution, sloop, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., 1901.
159.25 gross tons, 128.31 net tons; 105.5 ft. x 25 ft. x 19 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, May 13, 1901. [With note: Made of [blank]. Steel Frame and Bronze fastenings.]" (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Constitution.)

"Through the efforts of Mr. W. Butler Duncan Herreshoff traditions were thrown to the winds and the newspaper men and a number of outsiders were admitted to the shop a short time before Constitution was launched. To those who had not seen the boat before she was something of a surprise, for the majority rather expected to see a craft somewhat more extreme than Columbia. This is hardly the case, and as far as general characteristics go in design, there has been practically but one change, and that is the increase of the beam. Difficult as it was to get any definite idea of the boat in the cramped space of the shop, where the reflection from the boat's highly polished bottom and smooth, white topsides was very trying to the eyes, it was soon seen that Herreshoff had departed but little from Columbia's design in the new boat. Constitution's midship section is more like Defender's than Columbia's, and is the best turned and sweetest of the three boats. The depth of the boat at the midship section is practically the same as Columbia's, so in carrying out her ends to have fair buttocks without having them show any reverse curve her overhangs are almost identical with Columbia's, both in contour and distance from the water. The overhangs are very handsome and well-balanced, and the fore and aft sections are extremely fair and well modeled. In Columbia hard places might be seen in the fore and aft sections, hut in Constitution she is absolutely fair and well turned viewed from any point. The boat's sheer line is almost identical with Columbia's, which is quite straight, with the freeboard apparently a little higher. Constitution's increase in beam has also increased her power, but this is not alone due to form, but to the improved method of construction used in the boat and spars, but still giving her great strength in both. The displacement of the boat is practically the same as is Columbia's, but she will carry about ninety-three tons of lead --- a gain of three tons over the older boat. Her great power will admit of her carrying a large sail plan, and as far as can be learned her rig will contain some 14,400 square feet of sail. Constitution's superficial dimensions are as follows: 132ft. 6in. length over all, 89ft. 9in. length on the load waterline, 25ft. 2 1/2in. beam and 19ft. 10in, draft. To sum up, Constitution is a second Columbia, with great power and the same sheer line and draft, with a foot more beam, a lighter constructed hull, and same displacement as Columbia, and more lead, and should easily carry her large rig (1,300ft. more than Columbia) and beat her in any weather, for she is such a moderate boat she should be the best all around performer in the trial fleet." (Source: Anon. [No title.] Forest and Stream, May 18, 1901, p. 393.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 210:]
Constitution, sloop, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1901.
159.25 gross tons, 128.31 net tons; 105.5 ft. x 25 ft. x 19 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging figure-head.
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] [as] (yacht) May 20, 1901. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] May 8, 1903 at New York. ([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. Constitution.)

"The first sail trial of the cup defender Constitution, Tuesday [May 21, 1901], proved, that she is a worthy product of the Herreshoff genius, and was satisfactory to Mr. Duncan, her manager, and to her builders. The breeze encountered was not strong enough to give her a thorough test, but she acted well during the trial and her sails set satisfactorily. It was proved that she can sail very close to the wind and is remarkably quick in stays. She returned here Tuesday afternoon about 4 o'clock and has since been tied up at the Herreshoff dock where mechanics are putting on the finishing touches on deck and in the hold Mr. Duncan says that the yacht may be transferred from the builders to the syndicate of owners tomorrow and she may go out for another spin." (Source: Anon. "Constitution is a Worthy Boat." Bristol Phoenix, May 24, 1901, p. 2.)

"Constitution was ready for a trial under sail on Saturday last, but continual rainfall and bad weather has kept the boat at her moorings until Tuesday. As we go to press the weather is clearing and undoubtedly Constitution will be seen under sail shortly." (Source: Anon. [No title.] Forest and Stream, May 25, 1901, p. 412.)

"The cup defender Constitution was formally turned over to her syndicate of owners by the Messrs. Herreshoff Saturday afternoon [May 25, 1901] about 1 o'clock. The boat had been measured by Charles Henning of the Custom House, and in order to place her in commission it was only necessary to change the name of her owners on her papers. Vice Commodore August Belmont, representing the syndicate which now owns the yacht, and Manager Duncan went on board the Constitution and Mr. Belmont raised Mr. Duncan's colors to the masthead, after the business transfer had been made in the office of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Shortly after three o'clock Saturday afternoon the Constitution was towed out of the harbor by Mr. Belmont's steam yacht Scout [#203p], and taken to Newport. She had a second sail trial Sunday and is said to have proved very fast under lower sails alone.
The date of the opening cup race has been fixed for September 21st." (Source: Anon. "The Constitution in Commission." Bristol Phoenix, May 28, 1901, p. 4.)

"Constitution Crippled. --- In a Strong Breeze Off Brenton's Reef Tuesday Afternoon Her Mast Buckled and Fell to Leeward --- She was Brought Here for Repairs.
While bowling along close hauled on the starboard tack in a strong southwest breeze, about four miles off Brenton's Reef Lightship, at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon [June 4, 1901], and footing over 14 knots an hour, the yacht Constitution came to grief and was crippled in less time than it takes to tell it. Her port spreader broke and as the shrouds slackened the Oregon pine topmast snapped off, and then the big steel mainmast buckled a little more than half way up from the deck to the masthead, and fell to the port side of the boat, carrying with it sails and rigging in a tangled mess.
Several of the men had narrow escapes. Second Mate Edward Nelson, however, was the only one to be swept overboard. He was in the way of the falling gaff and, jumping to the side, was lightly struck by the spar and swept off the deck, but was soon rescued by boatmen.
It took fully an hour to get the canvas aboard the yacht and to get her into condition to be towed back, and about three o'clock the Eugenia [#205p] took the Constitution in tow and slowly brought her back to her berth, back of the torpedo station. The Eugenia had been following the Constitution with her owner, J. B. Herreshoff, and friends on board.
On board the Constitution at the time of the accident were W. Butler Duncan, Jr., the managing owner; Rear Commodore Charles L. F. Robinson, William E. Iselin of the schooner yacht Emerald, and Capt. 'Nat' Herreshoff, the latter having just taken the wheel when the spreader broke.
Wednesday morning at 7 o'clock the Constitution was towed into Bristol harbor and anchored off the Herreshoff works. The crew worked like beavers and the sails and gaff were brought ashore on a float. The mainsail was slightly torn at the leach but is not much damaged. The boom was unslung and during the afternoon the buckled mast was lifted oat by the derrick of the tug Archer and carried ashore and laid on the north wharf. A gang of men immediately began to cut out the damaged part of the the mast, and it is thought that the big spar can be made as good as new inside of 10 days." (Source: Anon. "Constitution Crippled." Bristol Phoenix, June 7, 1901, p. 3.)

"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.)

"... 'They've picked the wrong yacht,' said Nat [Herreshoff] when he was told at Newport last summer that Columbia [#499s] was chosen as the cup defender and that Constitution was shelved. ..." (Source: Anon. "Systematic Defense For America's Cup." Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, January 18, 1903, p. 22.)

"The sloop yacht Constitution, which has been hauled out at the yard of the Thames Tow Boat Company, at New London, Conn., since the fall of 1901, was towed in here Wednesday [March 4, 1903] afternoon shortly after three o'clock by the tug Argo. She is to be fitted out here as a trial horse for the new defender [#605s Reliance]. The yacht's paraphernalia, which was taken to New Lndon, will be brought here. The Constitution is now in the slip at the Herreshoff's shops." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, March 6, 1903, p. 2.)

"... The rigging of the Constitution was completed Friday afternoon, rigger Billman and his men from Boston returning home that evening. That yacht is ready for her sails and her tender is expected to arrive at any time." (Source: Anon. "Part of Reliance's Crew Here." Bristol Phoenix, March 31, 1903, p. 1.)

"In an attempt made Tuesday [May 19, 1903] at Jacob's yards, City Island, N. Y. to haul out the 90 footer Constitution, the spiles under the railway gave way and caused the railway to spread letting the cradle and yacht down on the port side. The yacht had been hauled out of the water but a couple of feet when the accident occurred, which was very fortunate, as the damage to the hull of the yacht would no doubt have been very great.
The Constitution was hauled off the railway as soon as possible and towed to South Brooklyn, and on Wednesday it was put in the dry dock of the Morse Iron Works Company. There an examination of the yacht's plating was made it was ascertained that under the stem, at the turn at the garboard, which is about 12 feet aft of the forward entrance, there was a bad dent in the plate. The plate was not broken and no rivets were started.
There was another dent which was a little more serious on the starboard of the yacht. The plate at the turn of the big bilge just forward of the midship section was dented and two rivets were started.
It was thought the fin might have been strained or some of the frames knocked out of shape.
Capt. N. G. Herreshoff was notified by telegraph of the accident to the Constitution and left here Wednesday afternoon in his steam yacht Roamer [#215p] for Brooklyn, where he made an examination of the yacht's hull both on the interior and exterior. [No such visit or examination is mentioned in Roamer's logbook.]" (Source: Anon. "Reliance Defeated Columbia. In Decisive Style Yesterday In Their First Contest." Bristol Phoenix, May 22, 1903, p. 22.)

"It was often said of Herreshoff that he always kept something up his sleeve, so that he could always beat last year's boat with a new one. Hence in 1901 when the new cup defense candidate Constitution was defeated by the two-year-old Columbia, everyone felt the Wizard must be slipping. However, one must look to other causes for Constitution's lack of success than her design.
We had been criticized even by our own press because our yachts were being increasingly manned by foreigners. Charley Barr was a Scotchman and most of the crews were Norwegians, so Constitution was to be an all-American boat with an American-born skipper and a crew recruited in Deer Isle, Maine. This combination was turned over to Butler Duncan to manage and, to put it mildly, it just did not work. Lobstering in Maine breeds individual initiative, but was not good training for sailing a 90-footer, and Charley Barr (who, by the way, was one of our really great racing skippers) and his Norwegian crew put it all over the Constitution which I am sure, if equally handled, would have been at least three minutes faster over the cup course. So ended another 'noble experiment.' " (Source: Crane, Clinton. Clinton Crane's Yachting Memories, New York, 1952, p. 105-106.)

"Thomas P. Brightman Recollections
... It just happened that the day I started [working at the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company], they launched the Cup candidate CONSTITUTION. She was (later) defeated by COLUMBIA which defended the America's Cup in 1899 and again in 1901. I remember that the morning that the papers announced that COLUMBIA had been chosen to defend the second time, Mr. John came into the office and said to Mr. Nat that they decided to use COLUMBIA again, and if they lost the Cup, what were they going to do. Without hesitation, Mr. Nat said, 'Well, we can take the CONSTITUTION and go get it back.' He was firmly of the opinion that CONSTITUTION was the better boat, but she didn't have the organization behind her. Charlie Barr was the skipper of COLUMBIA." (Source: Herreshoff Marine Museum Chronicle, Spring 1989, p. 1.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled '89 1/2[ft] w.l. Nov[ember] 6, 1900. 2nd trial. #551 [CONSTITUTION]'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 5350[cuft] = 345000lbs = 172.5 short tons. On verso another set of penciled pantograph hull sections titled '89 1/2ft w.l. Nov[ember] 1900. 1st [trial]'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 6100[cuft] = 395000lbs." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_07790. Folder [no #]. 1900-11-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten letter marked [Copy]:] Dear Augy:-
After thinking it all over, I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible for me to take hold of the new boat.
My reasons are principally that I cannot afford the time or the money, and I am not willing to undertake anything where I do not keep my own end up.
The other reasons are personal ones and not worth while going into.
I appreciate very much the confidence you have shown in me and regret that I cannot see my way to undertaking the position.
Yours sincerely, ... [It appears as if August Belmont had just offered Butler Duncan the position as manager of #551s CONSTITUTION. Duncan eventually accepted and in the course of events became responsible for the fateful decision to recruit an American crew from Deer Isle, Maine under an American captain, a combination that was clearly inferior to the Norwegian crew under Charlie Barr on COLUMBIA. Though only initially intended as trial horse, COLUMBIA was eventually chosen over CONSTITUTION to defend the America's Cup, much to the regret of NGH (and others like Butler Duncan and Clinton Crane) who always maintained that CONSTITUTION was faster than COLUMBIA.]" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to August Belmont. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39850. Correspondence, Folder 81, formerly 70. 1900-11-14.)
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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:] HMCo Plan HH.5.06700 (086-007) (left half): Blueprint table titled 'Tees, Bulb-Angles & Angles. #551 [CONSTITUTION]. Nov[ember] 27, 1900'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE08_02920. Folder [no #]. 1900-11-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Just heard Boston boat [INDEPENDENCE] is real and will be built, we need to be careful we get from Ansonia the bronze we need [for #551s CONSTITUTION]." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21710. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1900-12-07.)
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"[Item Description:] am glad you shortened bowsprit [for #551s CONSTITUTION], am not afraid of Boston boat [INDEPENDENCE], their principal trouble will come in construction, have decided on Smith for mate, Nelson for boatswain, will send Rhodes to Maine to see what he can find for crew" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21720. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1900-12-10.)
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"[Item Description:] plan to come to Brisol on Wednesday [to see #551s CONSTITUTION construction progress], Bethlehem steel said their work will be done this week" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21730. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1900-12-17.)
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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:] Penciled technical drawing with profiles and sections of hooks titled 'Scale of Hooks. Full Size. Feb[ruary] 11, 1901'. With tables of dimensions and proof test loads. With note regarding #551 [CONSTITUTION]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Technical Drawing. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_01480. Folder [no #]. 1901-02-11.)
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"[Item Description:] want one pair of davits [for #551s CONSTITUTION], received your letter re [rigger] Billman, think he is a little high, may want to have one rigger on board, bought a seine boat at Gloucester" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21750. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-02-13.)
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"[Item Description:] wonder when the defender [#551s CONSTITUTION] will be launched, should like immensely to see it, Mr. May our general managers says he has met you, he knew Mr. [William] Young, would like to see the launch, invitation to visit to Camden, I miss Mrs. Diman greatly, she was so kind to all of us children" (Source: Packard, Alpheus A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20390. Correspondence, Folder 58. 1901-03-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Deer Islanders will report at Bristol tomorrow [for #551s CONSTITUTION], have sent the mate Howell, tender is not quite ready, please let me know date of launching as soon as you know, some ingenious man has re-engineered interior drawing and may publish it" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21760. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-04-24.)
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"[Item Description:] SHAMROCK II evidently very fast in light airs, I did enjoy the launching of [#551s] CONSTITUTION, very kind of you to write just before the launch, what a beauty she is!, I did enjoy just drinking in her fine points, which the beloved newspaper men could not see, how little they really saw after all!, I see the name of Herreshoff is seen again in the Journal, it must have been a great mental strain on the proof reader to cut it out for all these years, [longitudinal] construction [of CONSTITUTION] is great and certainly is entirely original with you, I think it will be largely copied in the future, I always think each new model you make is perfect" (Source: Packard, Alpheus A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20410. Correspondence, Folder 58. 1901-05-16.)
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"[Item Description:] [on #551s CONSTITUTION stationery:] make four new runners, use the old blocks, tried gybing today, dangerous, lower spreader interferes with jibtopsail sheet, everything worked well, broke a man's leg this morning by dropping spinnaker boom on it, hope you can come down tomorrow" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21900. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. (1901)-05-28.)
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"[Item Description:] [on #551s CONSTITUTION stationery:] were measured today with 58 men on board, solid # 2 club buckles too much, need hollow one, I go to New London Wednesday" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21870. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. (1901)-06-24.)
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"[Item Description:] telegram notice: carried away two strands of bobstay on bowsprit [of #551s CONSTITUTION], please fit new one, we won the race easily all the same" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Correspondence (telegram notice) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21780. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-07-23.)
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"[Item Description:] [on #551s CONSTITUTION stationery:] Morris Cove, Wednesday, everything working well, only I cannot understand bobstay, two strands parted, test splices?, might have lost all our spars again, mainsail is bagging again badly in this hot dry weather, hope you will come down to the Vineyard with us, send me a telegram to Newport [undated but the NYYC cruise called at Morris Cove on Wednesday July 24, 1901]" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Correspondence (telegram notice) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21880. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. (1901-07-24).)
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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:] [Handwritten (in ink) materials analysis report on 'Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Established 1861, Incorporated 1879' stationery:] Charleston Navy Yard Test
1-Piece, 3 1/4in (cir.). P[lough] Steel rope, Hazard Mfg. Co.
6-Strands, 7-wires to strand, Hemp Centre
Both ends spliced and served with Marlin
Broke at 61,840lbs
1899 Catalogue breaking strain 48 tons
[Sketch]
[Data table]
[Penciled note by NGH:] This is from a piece of rope made in 1895 and used for 5 of the 6 lower shrouds, on 2nd mast for CONSTITUTION [#551s]." (Source: Brownell, A.B., Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Tensile Strength Test. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02500. Folder [no #]. 1901-08-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Charleston Navy Yard Test
1-Piece, 3 1/4in (cir.). P[lough] Steel rope, Hazard Mfg. Co.
6-Strands, 7-wires to strand, Hemp Centre
One end turned back & served with wire.
One end spliced and served with Marlin
Broke at 74,360lbs
[Sketch]
[Data table]
[Penciled note by NGH:] This is from rope just made and used for upper shrouds and 1 lower shroud on 2nd mast for CONSTITUTION [#551s]." (Source: Brownell, A.B., Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Tensile Strength Test. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02510. Folder [no #]. 1901-08-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Charleston Navy Yard Test
1-Piece, 2 3/4in (cir.). P[lough] Steel rope, Hazard Mfg. Co.
6-Strands, 7-wires to strand, Hemp Centre
One end turned back & served with wire.
One end spliced and not served
Broke at 53,580lbs
1899 Catalogue breaking strain 31 tons
[Sketch]
[Penciled note by NGH:] Rope just made and used for upper shrouds on 2nd mast for CONSTITUTION [#551s].
[Data table]
" (Source: Brownell, A.B., Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Tensile Strength Test. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02520. Folder [no #]. 1901-08-07.)
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"[Item Description:] On #551s CONSTITUTION stationery: bent new mainsail yesterday, think it is going to be good, shall be in Newport Sunday, want to haul out Tuesday, hate these little triangles [for racing]." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21680. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. (1901)-08-22.)
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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:] suggestion re #551s CONSTITUTION, reminiscences re AMERICA, MARIA, VIGILANT, COLUMBIA, VALKYRIE" (Source: Leon[?], George W. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_52730. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1901-10-09.)
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"[Item Description:] New London people are just about ready to haul out [#551s CONSTITUTION], let me know as soon as you try one of the 30s [BB30] as to how they work" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21840. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-10-30.)
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"[Item Description:] Thames Tow Boat Co will send tug for #551s CONSTITUTION & take her to New London, have ordered a house built over her deck, is there anything else that ought to be done?, just bought Barney lathe" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21850. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1901-11-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled untitled lists of drawings (ranging from no. 86-30 to 86-81), all of which relate to #551s CONSTITUTION (and many of which were later also used for #605s RELIANCE). Undated, the plan dates range from January to June 1901." (Source: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.010. Drawing list. Box HAFH.6.1B, Folder Hull No. 605s. No date (ca1901-01 to 1901-06).)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have been so busy all this winter that I have been unable to get on to Bristol, as I intended, but hope very soon to arrange my affairs so as to pay you a visit.
I want to consult you about the CONSTITUTION [#551s]. I also feel that it would be an excellent thing for us to have the duck [canvas] for next year['s America's Cup] woven now and delivered this Summer and keep it, as seasoned duck I am sure is very much better than when fresh from the mills.
I am going to start putting the MINEOLA [#529s] in commission the middle of next month, and would like to know whether you have suitable duck for the lower sails; I do not want a mercerized mainsail. I would like to hear from you on the subject, and what your recommendation is. [Charlie] Barr, whom I have engaged, tells me that some of my wire rigging is in bad shape, but I presume this is something I can manage myself. I should like to begin very soon on the mainsail, and I want to try the experiment this year, of a foresail without roping the leach.
I hope you are well and hearty and have passed a good Winter. Remember me kindly to Mrs. Herreshoff, and believe me
Yours very sincerely, ..." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39880. Correspondence, Folder 82, formerly 64. 1902-03-14.)
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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 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:] 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:] I have written to [Capt. Uriah] Rhodes, telling him to confer with you about the two old mainsails of the 'CONSTITUTION' [#551s]. I would like very much to have you go out with him, taking also Mr. [Asa] Hathaway with you, and decide what alterations had best be made in the cut of the sails. The No. 4, I am sure, you will find requires some cutting to make it fit better.
I had intended coming on with Mr. Iselin, but just at the moment I have too much important business to attend to that I cannot leave, but will be on at the launching [of #605s RELIANCE. Believe me,
Yours very sincerely, ..." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39890. Correspondence, Folder 82, formerly 64. 1903-04-02.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Since my conversation with you I have been very much worried and distressed over the fact that I have hurt your feelings in having my sails [for #551s CONSTITUTION], which were made by you, altered and repaired here without your assistance. It is doubly distressing to me because I would not, for the world, do anything to hurt your feelings in this connection, on personal grounds, quite apart from any business aspects of it, and I hope you won't harbor it against me and am sure you will realise that I am rather doing you a favor in not pestering you with details about my boat while you are so busy with your new creation [#605s RELIANCE], and which really is the boat that will defend the Cup and to which your undivided attention, I might say, is almost obligatory.
Practically, too, I do not think you would have been able to give the time which I would have required from you here and go out with me, and even if I had come to Bristol with the boat, which at the present time I have really not found the time to do, although I can and do manage to go out every afternoon with the 'CONSTITUTION,'- you would have been too busy.
The first sail that you made me I have not as yet touched. It is coming out to be a superb sail, and what little I have to change in it, I can perfectly well direct myself with the assistance of Capt. Terry and Capt. Rhodes, and really most all the little changes of his kind have got to be done by driblets, and if could not see you constantly, I would be without the advice required.
I think I am doing my duty to you and your boat to try and bring it to the line in as good a shape as possible in order to provide for you the opportunity of forming a proper judgment about the 'RELIANCE'.
Please let me know when there is a chance of my being able to have your advice. For instance,I I cannot reconcile my own ideas with the fact that the boom of the 'CONSTITUTION' swings so uncommonly high. Last winter you told me that you had been all over the calculations, and I accepted your verdict that there was no change of any kind to be made, and I understand that no change has been made.
The boat is going to haul out at New London on the 16th of May, and I would only have to-morrow and the day after to bring the sail in, and probably the 20th, the day before the race, if I could come West in time. Believe me,
Yours very truly, ..." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39900. Correspondence, Folder 82, formerly 64. 1903-05-13.)
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"[Item Description:] [on #551s CONSTITUTION stationery:] skipper of the [#203p] SCOUT misjudged a turn, please look at it to see if it is all safe, let me know cost of repair and time. Incl. envelope." (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_22050. Correspondence, Folder 65, formerly 87. 1903-07-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] 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 Description:] Penciled note comparing w.l., L, D, d, S limit, Beam, B and rating for three boats: An unidentified 90-footer [America's Cup class], CONSTITUTION [#551s] and RELIANCE [#605s]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Note. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_00150. Folder [no #]. No date (1903 or later).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter marked [Copy':] I have looked over CONSTITUTIONS' [#551s] plans and I see no reason why she could not be converted into a schooner and made a very good vessel.
An outline of the work to be done in making the changes would be:
a. Cut off about 3 1/2ft of bottom of lead, leaving draft about 16ft.
b. Fit mast steps & chainplates for schooner rig.
c. Complete schooner rig using whatever possible of present rig.
d. Fit rail, boat davits, boats and other deck work necessary.
e. Put in complete internal fittings to whatever plan desired.
The amount of lead removed [p. 2] from the keel would have to be recast and fitted inside and the present steel deck would have to be covered over with wood.
When the transformation is made the vessel would be deeper in the water and probably 3 or 4 [feet] longer on the water line.
With a liberal sized rig the rating under the present rules would be a little over 100, and would place her in A class.
Under the present sloop rig the rating figures out at 110.3. With penalties for over rig and over draft it would be 125.7ft.
Yours sincerely, ..." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to August Belmont. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_12700. Correspondence, Folder 36, formerly 189. 1906-10-03.)
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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 Description:] Handwritten (in ink and) table / design rule titled 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule' and signed 'Nath'l G. Herreshoff. Bristol R.I. July 16, 1907'. With formula 'Sailarea not more than C * B * (L * d * D)^.025 in which C = constant depending on rig, as follows: Sloops & Yawls not carrying topsails C=8.75. Full rigged Sloops C=9.8. Full rigged Schooners and Yawls C=9.3. L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule. B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule. d = draft of water as for Universal Rule. D = displacement as for Universal Rule. The following are examples of application of the above formula to some well known yachts designed by the author. Measurements for Universal Rule'. Followed by tabulated data showing Building Number, Rating, Waterline, L, B, d, D, S, Sail limit Present rule, Diff., Sail limit Proposed rule, Diff., and Notes for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s class], KILDEE [#460s], SIS [#536s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], SENECA [#670s], N.Y.Y.C. 30 [#626s class], NEWPORT 30 [#463s class], ELECTRA [#530s], SPASM [#538s], PLEASURE [#545s], NEITH [#665s], DELIGHT [#679s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s class], IROLITA II [#658s], YANKEE [#534s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], PETREL [#510s], QUEEN [#657s], INGOMAR [#590s], WESTWARD [#692s], AND [KATOURA] [#722s]. [In an article in the March 5, 1905 Boston Globe (p40), N. G. Herreshoff argued that unless there be a stricter limit on sail area in the present Universal Rule, there would be only few cruising yachts racing. This formula is apparently an attempt to address the above issue. See elsewhere for complete spreadsheet transcription.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080. Folder [no #]. 1907-07-13.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) rating rule titled 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule' and signed 'Nath'l G. Herreshoff. Bristol R.I. July 16, 1907'. With formula 'Sailarea not more than C * B * (L * d * D)^.025 in which C = constant depending on rig, as follows: Sloops & Yawls not carrying topsails C=8.75. Full rigged Sloops C=9.8. Full rigged Schooners and Yawls C=9.3. L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule. B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule. d = draft of water as for Universal Rule. D = displacement as for Universal Rule. The following are examples of application of the above formula to some well known yachts designed by the author. Measurements for Universal Rule'. Followed by tabulated data showing Building Number, Rating, Waterline, L, B, d, D, S, Sail limit Present rule, Diff., Sail limit Proposed rule, Diff., and Notes for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s class], KILDEE [#460s], SIS [#536s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], SENECA [#670s], N.Y.Y.C. 30 [#626s class], NEWPORT 30 [#463s class], ELECTRA [#530s], SPASM [#538s], PLEASURE [#545s], NEITH [#665s], DELIGHT [#679s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s class], IROLITA II [#658s], YANKEE [#534s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], PETREL [#510s], QUEEN [#657s], INGOMAR [#590s], WESTWARD [#692s], AND [KATOURA] [#722s]. [In an article in the March 5, 1905 Boston Globe (p40), N. G. Herreshoff argued that unless there be a stricter limit on sail area in the present Universal Rule, there would be only few cruising yachts racing. This formula is apparently an attempt to address the above issue. See elsewhere for complete spreadsheet transcription.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Handwritten Rating Rule. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00260. Folder [no #]. 1907-07-16.)
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"[Item Description:] Blueprint table titled 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule' and signed 'Nath'l G. Herreshoff. Bristol R.I. July 16, 1907'. With formula 'Sailarea not more than C * B * (L * d * D)^.025 in which C = constant depending on rig, as follows: Sloops & Yawls not carrying topsails C=8.75. Full rigged Sloops C=9.8. Full rigged Schooners and Yawls C=9.3. L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule. B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule. d = draft of water as for Universal Rule. D = displacement as for Universal Rule. The following are examples of application of the above formula to some well known yachts designed by the author. Measurements for Universal Rule'. Followed by tabulated data showing Building Number, Rating, Waterline, L, B, d, D, S, Sail limit Present rule, Diff., Sail limit Proposed rule, Diff., and Notes for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s class], KILDEE [#460s], SIS [#536s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], SENECA [#670s], N.Y.Y.C. 30 [#626s class], NEWPORT 30 [#463s class], ELECTRA [#530s], SPASM [#538s], PLEASURE [#545s], NEITH [#665s], DELIGHT [#679s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s class], IROLITA II [#658s], YANKEE [#534s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], PETREL [#510s], QUEEN [#657s], INGOMAR [#590s], WESTWARD [#692s], AND [KATOURA] [#722s]. [In an article in the March 5, 1905 Boston Globe (p40), N. G. Herreshoff argued that unless there be a stricter limit on sail area in the present Universal Rule, there would be only few cruising yachts racing. This formula is apparently an attempt to address the above issue. See elsewhere for complete spreadsheet transcription.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Blueprint Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0169. WRDT08, Folder 16, formerly MRDE06. 1907-07-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am very much obliged to you for sending on the wheel so promptly. It made it very convenient for me.
With reference to the 'CONSTITUTION' [#551s]; our syndicate is anxious to close up and I see no way except to sell the boat by auction. What do you think? Do you think you could use her, and would you care to make any offer for her, and turn her into a schooner for any one or even take your chance of selling her afterwards ? If so make a bid. So far as terms are concerned; we are not particular and they can be made easy.
Believe me, Yours very truly, ... [Incl NGH draft reply:] Pleased to know wheel got to you promptly.
Cannot see how we can take CONSTITUTION off your hands.
Think she would make a fine schooner but too large for 90ft class.
Advise to hold her a[s] market is bad and is best[?] if thru[?] for possible defender." (Source: Belmont, August (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39970. Correspondence, Folder 82, formerly 64. 1907-09-26.)
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"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH titled 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Orders from N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§5: Work Order [For] #551s. [When wanted] Soon as possible. Plow steel rope (1901-01-07)
§7: Work Order [For] "547s, #548s, #549s, #551s, #552s, #533s. [When wanted] Soon as possible. Running rigging 3-strand (1901-02-07)
§8: Work Order [For] #209p, #551s. [When wanted] April 15. Galv. chain cable (1901-02-07)
§9: Work Order [For] #551s. [When wanted] Soon as can be made. Wilcox Critt. hooks (1901-02-11)
§10: Work Order [For] #551s, #555s. [When wanted] Early in May. Hollow spars by Spaulding St. Lawrence Boat Co. (1901-03-01)
§13: Work Order [For] #551s. [When wanted] May 1. Cable chain (1901-03-30)." (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.)
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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 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:] [Typewritten signed letter on W.B. Duncan' stationery:] In case you ever have any trouble about the Isherwood patent I am sending you a copy of the Scientific American of May 11th 1901 which while not accurate of course, is pretty good evidence as to priority of invention [of the longitudinal framing first used in #551s CONSTITUTION].
I happened to find it stowed away in my desk when looking for some papers.
Nothing new down here, no other boat has materialized though there are rumors in the air still.
Yours sincerely ..." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_43150. Correspondence, Folder 93, formerly 127. 1913-10-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter on 'Crumwold Farm' stationery:] I have delayed answering yours [of the?] 10th [of November 1913?] enclosing sketch until I could get more data for you to go on concerning proposed backbone ice yacht. I do not want to order yet until we can arrive at a probable conclusion as to what I will be able to save[?] in weights[?] I have about the same strength or stiffness I now have. I note your beam is 64% stronger than a beam 16 x 5. I perhaps led you in error in this 16in x 5in & have therefore made a plan showing just what my present beam is and given enough sections to show its shape. This beam is not only strong enough but it could probably be considerably reduced in size & be still strong enough, it is of Oregon Pine in on piece. It weights with box & jumper 893 lbs --- 700 lbs would suit me better or 700. The chief fault is it is too heavy at the outboard end from runner plank to bowsprit end & yet here is where stiffness is required to prevent bowsprit bending up and [p. 2] and slacking peak off. You will notice on my drawing certain parts where the outer timber should be solid or reinforced, beginning at bowsprit & working aft there is a through belt for end jib boom, then further aft bolts to hold the plate for end of underneath truss, then comes the jumper, to prevent toe of rudder from dropping underneath a crack in the ice and then the rudderpost 1 1/2in diam. with its gland[?] top & bottom. Another thing concerning the after end of beam is the wringing effect due to the weight of person in box tending to twist the center timber here at high speeds probably less taper here in a built up beam would be advisable. You will notice the solid has a jog for car but of course in a built one this is not necessary. I enclose a photo of my boat with old box & wood center timber & you can see how bow sprit has come up, I was always afraid it would break. I also enclose some prints that may help, but as I have only one [p. 3] set please return them, the principle is the same but we now have side guys go over ends of bowsprit & stern with eye splices. I also rig my main sheet different & run a double sheet one end on a stayerly[?] slide on top of center timber. Please when you write give the estimate cost, the fittings will be put on just as per my sketch if you make provision for strength inside.
You will notice that next step is 4ft ahead of runner plank instead of 4ft 6in. My mistake.
The runner plank may after trial be shifted 6in further aft if found necessary
Yours truly ...
[Incl. NGH draft reply:] We think we can make you a hollow back bone to weigh not to exceed 750 lbs that will be as stiff as the present one you have which you say weights 893lbs including box & jumper, which we presume w'ld be about 840 lbs for the timber. This is light for its bulk, only 31 1/2 lbs per cuft first[?]. We doubt if we can supply Oregon pine as light as that. The average for good timber is nearly 36lbs and we have based our estimate on that. We could put in strengthen pieces where required as per plan you send but would not want to have the jog at forward end of box.
(but w'ld be about same as # 2 yard for [#551s] CONSTITUTION. It is 4ft shorter but somewhat larger in section)" (Source: Rogers, Archibald. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00630. Folder [no #]. 1913-11-13.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.00440 (001-026). Photostat construction pla with plan view and inboard profile titled '#551 [CONSTITUTION]'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Photostat Construction Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0192. WRDT08, Folder 15, formerly MRDE02. 1914-02-22.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) signed letter on 'United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation' stationery regarding Isherwood suit against Newport News Shipbuilding re: longitudinal framing, incl. NGH draft reply explaining his use of longitudinal framing in #551s CONSTITUTION, Scientific American published complete report back then with information they must have obtained from someone working at HMCo, this was much earlier than Isherwood's patent" (Source: Swan, James (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_44070. Correspondence, Folder 96, formerly 83. 1922-10-30.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Department of Justice, Washington.
...
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of November 17th, enclosing two blue prints of the framing of the yachts CONSTITUTION [#551s] and RELIANCE [#605s], and copies of your correspondence with the Commissioner of Patents relative to the Isherwood patent.
Please accept my thanks for your courtesy." (Source: Busby[?], John S. (Dept. of Justice). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_33540. Subject Files, Folder 38, formerly 28-30. 1922-11-27.)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten copy of letter: 'I have been much interested in reading your paper in the Sportsman on the match for the America Cup. I often see some strange statements made by the ordinary reporters on yachting, concerning the products that originated in the Bristol shops, of which I take no notice. But when a paper is published by such an authority as yourself, it is supposed to be reliable. But in this paper you have made some statements that are entirely false, and as it should become standard in the History of Yachting, I hope you will put aside any prejudices you have against the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and make corrections that will give a just chronicle of the Cup defense.', #437s VIGILANT, #429s NAVAHOE, VALKYRIE II, VALKYRIE III, #435s COLONIA, #452s DEFENDER, GENESTA, BRITANNIA, PILGRIM, JUBILEE, #551s CONSTITUTION, #605s RELIANCE, #725s RESOLUTE; [This letter published as 'Letter One' in Herreshoff, Stephens. Their Last Letters 1930-1938. Annotated by John W. Streeter. Bristol, RI, 1988, p. 1.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter (copy) to Stephens, William P. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20570. Correspondence, Folder 59. 1930-05-13.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten letter: 'I have been much interested in reading your paper in the Sportsman on the match for the America Cup. I often see some strange statements made by the ordinary reporters on yachting, concerning the products that originated in the Bristol shops, of which I take no notice. But when a paper is published by such an authority as yourself, it is supposed to be reliable. But in this paper you have made some statements that are entirely false, and as it should become standard in the History of Yachting, I hope you will put aside any prejudices you have against the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and make corrections that will give a just chronicle of the Cup defense.', #437s VIGILANT, #429s NAVAHOE, VALKYRIE II, VALKYRIE III, #435s COLONIA, #452s DEFENDER, GENESTA, BRITANNIA, PILGRIM, JUBILEE, #551s CONSTITUTION, #605s RELIANCE, #725s RESOLUTE; [This letter published as 'Letter One' in Herreshoff, Stephens. Their Last Letters 1930-1938. Annotated by John W. Streeter. Bristol, RI, 1988, p. 1.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Stephens, William P. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20500. Correspondence, Folder 59. 1930-05-13.)
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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 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:] Penciled table showing LOA, LWL, Beam, Draft, QBL, Stem, [symbol], sft[?] and Displ[acement] for KATOURA [#722s], WESTWARD [#692s], VAGRANT, QUEEN MAB [#698s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RESOLUTE [#725s], WINSOME [#664s], 2nd IROLITA [#658s], DORIS [#625s], AVENGER [#666s], 50 Footers [#711s], ADVENTURESS [#685s], IROLITA [#591s], FLYING CLOUD [#703s], BELISARIUS [#1266s], NEITH [#665s], AZOR [#578s], NAULAKHA [#687s], SENECA [#670s], NY30s [#626s], SENTA [#688s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], FLIGHT [#607s], PLEASURE [#907s], QUAKERESS [#676s], KILDEE [#460s], and the 12 1/2ft Class [#744s]. With formulas for mean length L, Draft limit by rule and freeboard at three positions. Undated, on verso of NYYC invitation dated December 11, 1933 but listing of BELISARIUS which was built in 1934/1935 indicates that this was written at that time or later. Filed close to and possibly related to what appears to be an early version of NGH's 'Observations on the Proportions of Sailing Yachts' from July 1936." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Tabulated Dimensions. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_03040. Folder [no #]. No date (1936-07 ?).)
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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 #551s Constitution even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Constitution (HMCo-made index card)
• Constitution (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: Constitution
Type: Cutter
Length: 90'
Owner: Belmont, August, Syndicate

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

• Constitution
• 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: Constitution
Type: 90' cutter
Owner: August Belmont, et al.
Year: 1901
Row No.: 128

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: Nov
Day: 13
Year: 1900
E/P/S: S
No.: 0551
Name: Constitution
LW: 90'
Rig: Cutter
CB: y
Ballast: Lead O.
Amount: 126000.
Last Name: Belmont Syn
First Name: Aug

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.

"Construction record erroneously notes a centerboard, not a keel." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 2, 2008.)

"Built in 174 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $724/day, 1994 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"N/A"

"[Sail area info 14,815sqft.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule Formula." Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907 with later additions. Original handwritten (in ink) document with penciled additions. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080.)

"[Displacement (5420 cubic feet = 346,880lbs).] (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule Formula." Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907 with later additions. Original handwritten (in ink) document with penciled additions. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080.)

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