Digital Library | Historical Society of Pennsylvania : Volume/Folder : Principal Dimensions [1719-1828] [10581]

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Principal Dimensions [1719-1828]

Permanent ID:

10581

Date:

1719 – 1828

Image Description:

The first 160 pages of Volume 1 of the Joshua Humphreys Papers, "Principal Dimensions," concerning how to draw designs for ships. Born in Haverford, Pennsylvania on June 17, 1751, Joshua Humphreys spent his youth as an apprentice to a ship's carpenter in Philadelphia. Humphreys subsequently gained a reputation in the American colonies as a naval architect and was commissioned by the United States government to build ships in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. Following the war, Humphreys was once again commissioned by the government to build a naval fleet to protect the country from pirates and other attacks. Humphreys' fleet included several key improvements to the six frigates that became the foundation of the American naval fleet, which became known for its speed and efficiency.

"Principal Dimensions" details dimensions of specific ships, including the Randolph and other merchant vessels refitted into frigates during the Revolutionary War. The volume also contains dimensions for new ships built after the Revolutionary War, most notably the Constitution or "Old Ironsides."

Format:

Manuscripts

Collection:

Joshua Humphreys papers

Related Person or Organization:

Humphreys, Joshua, 1751-1838 (creator)