USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 68
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While the ships were at Hampton Roads, entertainments to the foreign officers were given on board of the United States vessels and a grand ball was given at Norfolk.
International boat races took place at Nor- folk and at Old Point Comfort, prizes for the winning crews being given by the citizens.
On the 24th of April the combined fleet
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left Hampton Roads. For the United States fleet, which weighed anchor first, the prepara- tory signal to get under way was made at 8:45 A. M. At this time the ships were riding to the ebb, and the "Newark" had shifted from a berth next the "Phildelphia" to one at the east- ern end of the column. The signal of execution was made at 9 o'clock .A. M.
"The Newark" got under way and steamed at five knots along the northern side of the col- umn, followed in succession by each ship of the United States fleet. This movement formed the fleet in column, natural order, heading to the southward of west, ships 300 yards apart between centers.
The "Philadelphia" got under way in time to take a position ahead of the "Newark." The "Dolphin." flying the Secretary of the Navy's flag, weighed and stood out independently, off the starboard bow of the "Philadelphia.'
When the United States fleet was under way, well closed up, full speed-eight knots- was signalled, and before reaching Newport News Middle Ground the column counter- marched to port. The "Dolphin" stopped at the turn, while the United States fleet passed in review. Returning, the column passed be- tween the visiting squadrons at anchor and Old Point.
The United States fleet then slowed to half- speed until the visiting squadrons got into their assigned positions when full speed was re- sumed.
The composition of the fleet as it sailed from Hampton Roads was as follows :
PORT COLUMN.
NO. OF SHIPS.
STARBOARD COLUMN.
NO OF SHIPS.
United States .. 12
England
4
Holland
J
Russia.
Germany
2
France.
3
Italy.
2
Total
15
Brazil. 3
Total
11
In this order, with an interval of 600 yards between the two columns, and with the ships in each column separated by distances of
300 yards. the combined fleet of eight nations stood out from the capes of the Chesapeake Bay and shaped an offshore course for New York.
Naval Constructor Bowles, on July 9. 1894, reported the progress of work on the "Texas," "Amphitrite" and "Raleigh," together with a tabular statement as to repair work on the "Atlanta." "Bancroft." "Charleston." "Con- cord." "Constellation." "Detroit." "Dolphin," "Essex." "Fern," "Miantonomoh." "Mononga- hela." "Montgomery." "Newark," "Nantuck- et." "Portsmouth." "Standish." "Vesuvius," "Wyandotte." "Wahneta" and yard launches. He also made suggestions for various improve- ments in the yard, as follows :
(1) Dry dock No. t (stone-dock) is limited in capacity to vessels of the size of the "Atlanta," and if lengthened 100 feet could be used for all the cruiser class of vessels, which would increase its usefulness to a very large extent.
(2) Dry dock No. 2 is so constructed at the gate that it can not be used for docking the battle-ships now building, and it will be exceedingly dangerous to at- tempt the docking of the "Texas" or armored cruisers in this dock when at the load-draft. An additional dry dock of sufficient size for these vessels is recommended, and the importance and necessity of beginning at the earliest possible moment the construction of such a dock at this navy yard can not be overestimated. An available and desirable site adjoins dry dock No. 2.
(3) The difficulty of berthing ships at this navy yard. owing to insufficient wharfage, has been frequently experienced during the past year, and the necessity for berthing ships at a considerable distance from the shops has delayed and increased the cost of the work of repairs. It has occurred several times during the past year that both dry docks were in use, and every berth at the wharves occupied. On two occasions it was necessary to berth a ship at St. Helena, opposite the navy yard. It is recommended that the timber- basin, no longer required for the original purpose, he cleared out and converted into a fitting basin by build- ing a wall and gate across the continuation of Rowan avenue, utilizing that portion of the dock to the west for spar timber, the eastern portion to be deepened and provided with retaining walls and a pontoon bridge at the eastern end.
(4) The shipfitters' shop has proved of entirely in- adequate capacity for carrying on the work of the de- partment. It is too small for the machines it now contains, and the equipment of tools is not more than halt what it should be. My recommendation of last year in regard to this matter is, therefore, renewed and urged. especially in view of the fact that the smithery (building No. 9) has continued to develop serious de- fects, and. in order to obtain necessary space for the
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
tinners, the tinshop has been moved to the spar-shed (building No. 28).
It is therefore suggested that a new shipfitters' shop be erected in the vacant lot adjacent to the timber- basin, which shall have wings and galleries, and be fitted with traveling cranes, elevators and all modern appliances, electric plant, new shop engine and boilers, and additional machine tools, and be connected with the railroad system of the yard.
In building No. 42, thus vacated, it is proposed to locate the foundry at the north end, utilizing the present chimney. enlarging the plant with cupolas and cranes, the south end of this building fo be rearranged in two stories for plumbers, coppersmiths, tinsmiths, and pipe- fitters.
Building No. 9, the present smithery, to be torn down and a new one erected having iron framework and corrugated iron sides and roof, and be supplied with a 5,000-pound steam-hammer, a new reverberatory furnace, and the jobbing, angle, beam forges to be re- arranged.
Estimated cost of changes, and installation of tools, rearrangement of shop interiors, and new tools and equipments, $150,000.
(5) When ships in dry dock or in the vicinity are undergoing repairs, much time is lost by the work- men in going to and from the shops, which are 2,000 feet distant. It is suggested that a one-story shop with a shed at each end, be built between the two dry docks and supplied with a small outfit of ma- chinery and a motive engine of 40-horsepower, for which steam could be obtained from the pump-house. The sheds would provide convenient stowage for dock- ing gear and cover for stage plank shores, horses, etc., which deteriorate rapidly from exposure. The esti- mated cost of machinery for this shop and for erect- ing and installing the plant is $20,000.
(6) A locomotive 10-ton traveling crane and car would greatly reduce the cost of handling the ma- terial of this department, $4,300.
(7) A floating, self-propelling derrick with re- volving jib, having a capacity of So tons, is very neces- sary and could be built and maintained by this depart- ment to advantage. The facilities now available for handling heavy weights are inadequate to the work of the yard, $75,000.
SUMMARY.
4. Changes and installation of tools, rearrange- ment of shop interiors, new tools and equip- ments $150,000
5. Machinery for new one-story shop, to be located between the two dry docks, and for erecting and installing plant in same .... 20,000
6. A locomotive 10-ton traveling crane and car 4,300
7. A floating, self-propelling derrick, So tons capacity 75,000
$249.300
On July 6, 1895. Naval Constructor Bowles submitted a report giving a detailed description of the work done on the "Texas," "Amphi-
trite" and "Raleigh," from July 1, 1894, to June 30, 1895. including the condition of the work at the latter date, and the estimated date of readiness for trial, also a statement of the re- pair work done during the previous year.
On the "Texas," 98 per cent. of the work has been completed, based on the final com- pletion of the vessel and outfit, ready for sea.
The "Amphitrite" was reported ready to go into commission April 16, 1895, and com- plete in all matters pertaining to the Bureau of Construction and Repair, the equipage hav- ing been put on board. She went into commis- sion April 23. 1895, and sailed from the yard May 9, 1895, when the draft of water was 13 feet 91/8 inches forward and 14 feet 51/2 inches aft.
In a letter dated August 5, 1894, Naval Constructor Bowles reported the "Raleigh" complete, fitted out and ready for sea, as far as the work of the Bureau of Construction was concerned. The "Raleigh" left the Navy Yard September 8, 1894, at I P. M., all stores, am- munition, water and coal on board, and boilers at steaming level. With the exception of tor- pedoes, she was fully equipped. The draft of water forward was 18 feet nine inches and aft, 20 feet. Her displacement was 3,485 tons. The "Raleigh" returned to the yard a second time . on October 23. 1894, to have the ventilation of her fire-room improved. and left January 21, 1895.
When Naval Constructor Bowles was or- dered from this yard, many testimonials of sincere regret were tendered him. The me- chanics and clerks passed resolutions express- ing their high appreciation and the people of Norfolk County generally feel that they owe him a debt of gratitude for his work in up- building this great naval station.
On July 14, 1896, Naval Constructor A. W. Stahl reported on the work done on the "Texas," "Amphitrite" and Steam Tug No. 5. and also gave a statement as to the repair work done during the fiscal year 1896, ending June 30th.
The "Texas" went into commission August
467
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15. 1895, and left the Navy Yard September 5. 1895. The draft of water forward was 21 feet 61/2 inches, and aft. 23 feet 434 inches.
On January 4, 1896, the "Texas" returned to the yard. She went out of commission Jan- uary 27, 1896, in order that certain desirable alterations and improvements in her construc- tion might be carried out. The work was be- gun January 6. 1896, and was still in progress at the date of the report. It was thought that the ship would be ready for sea in all respects in matters coming under the Bureau of Con- struction and repair by August 31, 1896.
The "Amphitrite" arrived at the Navy Yard in August, 1895. in order that the board. of which Commodore T. O. Selfridge, U. S. Navy, was president. might inspect her and make recommendations and estimates for the improvement of the ventilation of her boiler and engine-rooms, and the reduction of the excessive temperature in her living spaces. The work recommended by the board was author- ized by a letter from the Bureau, dated Sep- tember 9, 1895. Work was begun at once and completed November 15. 1895, the vessel leav- ing the yard November 20, 1895.
The work on Steam Tug No. 5 ("Samo- set"), of which the keel was laid January 13, 1896, was stopped on February 8. 1896, on ac- count of lack of funds. On June 13. 1896, work was resumed, additional money having become available by the passage of the naval appropriation bill.
The work on the "Texas." as shown in the report of the naval constructor of the Norfolk Navy Yard for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, consisted in completing the changes which had been authorized and most of which had been completed prior to July 1. 1896. The principal work completed after that date con- sisted in shifting hydraulic Dumos to redoubt, overhauling hydraulic turning-gear, alterations in engine-room ventilation system, fitting elec- tric fans in redoubt, recalking decks, painting and cementing, inclining experiment and other items of minor importance. The vessel went
into commission July 20, 1896. and left the yard August 25th following.
The keel of the "Samoset" (Steam Tug No. 5) had been laid and the stem and stern- post erected prior to July 1. 1896. Subsequent to that date all work was completed except dav- its and stanchions, plumbing. scuppers, steer- ing arrangements, towing bitts, fittings for running lights, painting and other minor items, which were all partially completed. The work was reported as 96 per cent. completed on July I. 1897, and the estimated date of completion, ready for trial, was given as August 10, 1897.
Among the vessels on which repair work was done during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, were the "Fortune," "Raleigh." "Co- lumbia," "Standish," "Montgomery," "Frank- lin" "Cushing." "Newark," "Wahneta." "Maine." "Fern." "Castine," "Amphitrite," "New York," "Monongahela." "Massachu- setts.'
During the Spanish-American War the Navy Yard was the scene of great activity and many ships were fitted out for war service. The sailing of the Spanish fleet from Cadiz, Spain, was a matter of intense interest at this seaport and many torpedoes were planted be- tween Fortress Monroe and the Rip Raps to protect this harbor against Admiral Cervera's fleet. Guard-boats were stationed at Old Point to pilot friendly vessels to and fro through the narrow opening in the line of tor- pedoes, which was to be closed on the appear- ance of a hostile fleet off the capes of Virginia.
The following is an outline of the work done at the Norfolk Navy Yard upon vessels under construction or out of commission dur- ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898:
U. S. S. "Newark."-This vessel was sur- veyed in April, 1897. and work upon her auth- orized July 1. 1897. The work consisted main- ly of laying new main deck, installing eight improved electric ammunition hoists for 6- inch rapid-firing guns, and a thorough and complete overhauling of the entire vessel, pre- paratory to recommissioning. The vessel was
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
commissioned on May 21, 1898, and left the yard on June 15th.
U. S. tug "Fortune."-This tug was sur- veyed on May II, 1893, and work begun Oc- tober 10, 1896, since which time there were frequent delays on account of lack of funds and the necessity of putting the men on more ur- gent work. The work upon her during the. fiscal year consisted of rebuilding the interior and joiner work of the vessel. The work was about 60 per cent. completed.
U. S. torpedo boat "Foote."-This vessel was delivered at the yard by the contractors July 26, 1897. The work upon her consisted chiefly of the completion of items not finished by the contractors at the time of delivery. and the addition of conveniences, etc., as were nec- essary to fit the vessel for her first cruise. She was commissioned August 7, 1897, and left the yard August 8, 1897.
U. S. torpedo boat "Winslow."- This ves- sel was delivered at the yard by the contractors December 22, 1897. The work consisted chiefly of the completion of items not finished by the contractors at the time of delivery, and the addition of conveniences, etc. The vessel was commissioned on December 29, 1897, and left the yard January 6, 1898.
U. S. torpedo boat "Rodgers."-This ves- sel was delivered at the yard by the contractors March 20, 1898. There were many items of work left incomplete by the contractors which had to be done at the yard. and, in addition, the vessel was subjected to an overhauling and some necessary alterations and additions. She was commissioned April 2, 1898, and left the yard April 17, 1898.
U. S. torpedo boat "McKee."-This vessel was delivered at the yard by the contractors May 22, 1898. The work done upon her con- sisted of the completion of work left unfinished by the contractors and the fitting of such ad- ditional conveniences as were necessary in pre- paring the vessel for her first cruise. She went into commission May 16. 1898, and left the yard May 27. 1898.
U. S. S. "Nashville."-This vessel arrived
at the yard June 19, 1897. The work of fitting her out proceeded at once, and consisted chiefly of installing the battery, alteration to stem, painting hull above water, and such mis- cellaneous work in connection with the im- provement or addition of conveniences as was necessary in preparing the vessel for her first cruise. She was put into commission August 9, 1897, and left the yard September 4, 1897.
The colliers "Merrimac" and "Cassius" were fitted out at this yard. The work upon them consisted chiefly of the installation of such small batteries as were assigned to them, preparation for the accommodation of naval crews, and such overhauling and repairs as were necessary in order to prepare them for naval duty. Work upon the "Merrimac" was begun April 11, 1898, and completed April 23, 1898. Work on the "Cassius" was begun May 23. 1898, and completed June 24, 1898.
U. S. S. "Iris" (distilling ship) .- The work on this vessel consisted of that in connec- tion with the installation of the apparatus nec- essary for the service required of her and such general overhauling and repair, alteration in quarters, etc., as were necessary to enable her to accommodate her naval crew.
The auxiliary gunboats "Apache" and "Yankton" were converted and fitted out at this yard. The work upon them consisted prin- cipally of the installation of their batteries, such changes in the interior joiner work, etc., as were necessary in order to accommodate their naval crews, ammunition, etc., and the necessary overhauling and repair. The work upon the "Yankton" was begun April 23, 1898, and completed June 18. 1898. The work upon the "Apache" was begun May 20, 1898, and completed June 23, 1898.
The revenue cutters, "Hamilton," "Mor- rill," "Windom," "Manning," "Woodbury" and "Hudson," were fitted out for use as auxiliary naval vessels at this yard. The work upon them consisted chiefly of the installation of additional batteries, magazines, such changes in their interiors as were necessary to accommodate the naval crews, and miscel-
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laneous items of overhauling and repair inci- clent to their first commissioning. The work on cach was completed in April, 1898, except in the case of the "Manning," on which the alterations were concluded on the 3d of the succeeding month.
The light-house tenders "Suwanee." "Ma- ple" and "Armeria," were fitted out at this yard for use as auxiliary naval vessels. The work upon them consisted chiefly of the in- stallation of additional batteries, magazines. such changes in their interior as were neces- sary to accommodate the naval crews, and mis- cellaneous items of overhauling and repair in- cident to their first commissioning. The work on 'them was completed on the 7th, Ioth and 30th of May, 1898.
Repairs were made during the year at the Norfolk Navy Yard on vessels in commission, named herewith : "Alice." "Amphitrite." "Brooklyn," "Cincinnati." "Cushing." "Dol- phin." "Dupont." "Fern."
"Ericsson." "Foote." "Franklin," "Justin," "Katahdin," "Maine." "Mohawk." "Montgomery," "Nash- ville," "Niagara," "Osceola," "Porter," "Puri- tan." "Saturn," "Sioux " "Solace." "Stand- ish," "Sterling," "Terror," "Triton." "Uncas.' "Vesnvins," "Vicksburg." "Wahneta," "Wil- mington." "Winslow" and "Wompatuck."
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1899. work was done upon ships under construction or out of commission at the Norfolk Navy Yard, as follows :
U. S. S. "Alexander."-This vessel arrived at the yard September 28. 1898, and was put out of commission November 2, 1898, to be fitted as a collier and manned by a merchant crew. This work, consisting of a general over- hauling and refitting, was still in progress June 30, 1899.
U. S. S. "Apache."-This vessel was put out of commission September 24, 1898. In addition to the removal of her battery, the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance.
U. S. S. "Buffalo."-This vessel was put out of commission September 24, 1898. In ad-
dition to the removal of her battery the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance. She left the vard for the New York vard July 21, 1898.
U. S. S. "Cassins."-This vessel was put out of commission December 29, 1898. In ad- dition to the removal of her battery the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance.
U. S. S. "Dorothea."-This vessel was put out of commission on September 20, 1898. In addition to the removal of her battery the only work done on her was such as was necessary to her care and maintenance.
U. S. tug "Fortune."-Frequent delays- at some times on account of lack of funds, and at others due to the necessity of shifting the men to more urgent work, had retarded pro- gress on this vessel. On June 30, 1899. the work was about 80 per cent. completed.
U. S. S. "Frolic."-This vessel was put out of commission September 27. 1898. The ship was docked, her bottom cleaned and painted, and she was given such overhauling as was necessary to fit her for service with the Illi- nois Naval Militia. This work was completed but by the Bureau's order of November 1, 1898. she was again put in ordinary, and at the end of the fiscal year was still at the yard.
U. S. S. "Governor Russell."-This vessel was put out of commission September 28, 1898. In addition to repairing injuries to deck house, caused by collision, and the removal of hier battery, the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and main- tenance.
ยท U. S. S. "Hannibal."-This vessel was put out of commission October 18, 1898. In ad- dition to the removal of her battery, the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance.
U. S. S. "Hawk."-This vessel was put out of commission September 14, 1898. In addi- tion to the removal of her battery, the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance.
U. S. S. "Hornet."-This vessel was put
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
out of commission October 14, 1898. The ves- sel was docked, her bottom cleaned and painted and she was given such overhauling as was necessary to fit her for service with the North Carolina Naval Militia. This work was com- pleted and she left the vard December 19, 1898.
U. S. S. "Marcellus."-This vessel was put out of commission on March 8, 1899. In ad- dition to the removal of her battery the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance.
U. S. S. "Newport."-This vessel came to the yard on September 25, 1898, being then out of commission. The "Newport," which had been used for general service, was given a complete overhauling to refit her for the use of the cadets at the U. S. Naval Academy. This work was completed May 26, 1899, and on June 30 the following she was still at the Navy Yard.
U. S. S. "Oneida."-This vessel was put out of commission September 19, 1898. In ad- dition to the removal of her battery the only work done on her was such as was necessary for her care and maintenance.
U. S. S. "Puritan."-This vessel arrived at the Norfolk Navy Yard September 26, 1898, and was put out of commission March 1, 1899. All necessary work was done on her to per- mit of the installation of new and larger evap- orators, but no other work was done on her except that necessary for her care and mainte- nance. A survey was ordered to ascertain what was necessary to be done to prepare her for her new commission.
U. S. S. "Rainbow."-This vessel arrived at the yard June 25, 1898. A lot of temporary accommodations for cattle were removed from her deck. Beyond this no work was done ex- cept such as was necessary for her care and maintenance. She left this yard for the New York yard July 22, 1898.
U. S. S. "Reina Mercedes."-This vessel arrived at the yard May 27, 1899. As she was leaking considerably, she was placed in dock for the purpose of repairing damage to her
bottom. This work was still in progress June 30, 1899. No other work was done on her.
U. S. S. "San Francisco."-This vessel ar- rived at the yard in October, 1898, and was put out of commission October 25, 1898. A com- plete overhauling of the vessel was begun, which was still in progress June 30, 1899. The work in general consisted of laying new main and berth-decks, of replacing all ordinary wood by fireproof wood or other fireproof material, installing 10 electric ammunition-hoists for the main and secondary batteries, fitting new fire main, changing rig, and in general over- hauling throughout and modernizing the en- tire vessel.
U. S. S. "Saturn."-This vessel arrived at the Navy Yard September 10, 1898, and was put out of commission November 4, 1898. Work was begun toward putting this vessel in thorough order as a collier. This work was not quite completed June 30, 1899, having been suspended on account of more urgent work.
U. S. S. "Siren."-This vessel was put out of commission September 24, 1898. The ves- sel was docked, her bottom cleaned and painted and she was given such overhauling as was necessary to fit lier for service with the Vir- ginia Naval Militia. This work was com- pleted and she left the yard June 22, 1899.
U. S. S. "Stranger."-This vessel was put out of commission September 24, 1898. The "Stranger" was docked, her bottom cleaned and painted and she was given such overhauling as was necessary to fit her for service with the Louisiana Naval Militia. This work was com- pleted and she left the yard December 6, 1898.
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