Captain Nathaniel Brown Palmer; An Old-Time Sailor of the Sea (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1922. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII THE GRIFFITHS CLIPPERS While the records show that the Rainbow sailed for China long after the sailing of the Houqua, it must be obvious to the reader that in any consideration of the relative influence of the two ships upon the evolution of the clippers the character of each as a cargo carrier is of more importance than the date on which each was commissioned. Perhaps it should be said, first of all, however, that while Griffiths and Captain Palmer differed in their opinions of models, their personal relations were friendly. The references to Captain Palmer's work which Griffiths wrote in the Nautical Magazine are conclusive evidence that their rivalry, such as it was, was entirely devoid of personal ill will. There was, indeed, no occasion for any such feeling, for each was amply supported by the ship owners of the coast, and the results obtained by each were unmistakably set forth in the records of the ships and the bank accounts of the owners. Because there were two distinct lines of evolution in the development of the clippers--rather say two lines of models--the variety which Griffiths originated shall have first consideration here. The fact is that the circumstances under which this naval architect became prominent, as well as the records of the ships he designed, indicate attention herein to his work as a designer ahead of that of Captain Palmer. In 1841 John Willis Griffiths was a draftsman in rythe employ of Smith & Dimon, then well known ship builders. He was a man of education--able, for example, to calculate the displacement of a ship, the center of gravity of her hull and the center of effort of her sails, all from her plans. His work as a draftsman naturally made him entirely familiar with models of the swift packets of the day, but w...