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Report On Iron Clad Vessels
We have made a synopsis of the propositions
and specifications submitted, which we annex, and now proceed
to state, in brief, the results of our decisions upon the offers
presented to us.
J. Ericsson, New York, page 19
- This plan of a floating battery is novel, but seems to be
based upon a plan which will render the battery shot and shell
proof. We are somewhat apprehensive that her properties for
sea are not such as a sea-going vessel should possess. But she
may be moved from one place to another on the coast in smooth
weather. We recommend that an experiment be made with one battery
of this description on the terms proposed, with a guarantee
and forfeiture in case of failure in any of the properties and
points of the vessel as proposed.
Price, $275,000; length of vessel, 172 feet; breadth of beam,
41 feet; depth of hold, 11 feet; time, 100 days; draught of
water, 10 feet; displacement 1,255 tons; speed per hour, nine
statute miles.
John W. Nystrom, Philadelphia, 1216
Chestnut Street, page 1 - The plan of (quadruple) guns is
not known, and cannot be considered. The dimensions would not
float the vessel without guards, which we are not satisfied
would repel shot. We do not recommend this plan.
Price, about $175,000; length of vessel, 175 feet; breadth of
beam, 27 feet; depth of hold, 13 feet; time, four months; draught
of water, 10 feet; displacement, 875 tons; speed per hour, 12
knots.
William Perine, New York, 2777 post
office box, presents three plans. The specifications and
drawings are not full. The last proposal (No. 3, page 2) for
the heavy plating is the only one we have considered; but there
is neither drawing nor model, and the capacity of the vessel,
we think, will not bear the armor and armament proposed.
Price, $621,000; length of vessel, 225 feet; breadth of beam,
45 feet; depth of hold, 15 feet; time, 9 months, draught of
water, 13 feet; displacement, 2,454 tons; speed per hour, 10
knots.
John C. Ferre, Boston, page 9
- Description deficient. Not recommended. Sent a model, but
neither price, time, nor dimensions stated.
E. S. Renwick, New York, 335 Broadway,
presents drawings, specification, and model of an iron-clad
vessel of large capacity and powerful engines, with great speed,
capable of carrying a heavy battery, and stated to be shotproof
and a good sea-boat. The form and manner of construction and
proportions of this vessel are novel, and will attract the attention
of scientific and practical men. She is of very light draught
of water, and on the question whether she will prove to be a
safe and convertible sea-boat we do not express a decided opinion.
Vessels of somewhat similar form, in that part of vessel which
is immersed, of light draught of water on our western lakes,
have, we believe, proved entirely satisfactory in all weathers.
To contract the effect of waves, when disturbed by the winds,
by producing a jerk, or sudden rolling motion of flat, shoal
vessels, it is proposed to carry a sufficient weight above the
center of gravity to counterpoise the heavy weight below, which
is done in this ship by the immense iron armor. If, after a
full discussion and examination by experts on this plan, it
should be decided that she is a safe vessel for sea service,
we would recommend the construction upon it of one ship at one
of our dock yards.
The estimate cost of this ship, $1,500,000, precludes action
upon the plan until further appropriations shall be made by
Congress for such objects.
Time not stated; length of vessel, 400 feet; breadth of beam
60 feet; depth of hold, 33 feet; draught of water, 16 feet;
displacement, 6,520 tons; speed per hour, at least 18 miles.
Whitney & Rowland, Brooklyn,
Greenpoint, page 13, propose an iron gunboat, armor of bars
of iron and thin plate over it. No price stated. Dimensions
of vessel, we think, will not bear the weight and possess stability.
Time, 5 months. Not recommended.
Length of vessel, 140 feet; breadth of beam, 28 feet; depth
of hold, 13 feet; draught of water, 8 feet.
Donald McKay, Boston, page 16
- Vessel, in general dimensions and armor, approved. The speed
estimated slow. The cost precludes the consideration of construction
by the board.
Price, k$1,000,000; length of vessel, 227 feet; breadth of beam,
50 feet; depth of hold, 26 feet; time, 9 to 10 months; draught
of water, 13 feet; displacement, 1,215 tons; speed, not stated.
Go to Main Category:
The Revolutionary Union Ironclad Monitor
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S.E.E. Edmonds
Naming of the Monitor
What Circumstances Dictated the
Monitor's Size and Peculiar Construction?
Chronology of the USS Monitor
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