332 Letters on Steam Navigation. 



Art. XII. — Letters 07i Steam Navigation; by Junius Smith, 

 Esq. : — with a Letter to the Editors, from Mr. Henbt Smith, 

 of New York. 



letter I. 



TO MR. HENRY SMITH. 



My Dear Sir — Since I wrote to you respecting masts for steam 

 ships, T have, on more mature dehberation, satisfied myself that 

 they are better without any masts at all. It may be expedient in 

 the present stage of Atlantic steam navigation, to construct what 

 may be called a deck mast, that can be thrown up upon a hinge, 

 or bolt axis, in case it should be wanted. I do not doubt that 

 more power is lost by the resistance of masts and rigging in steam 

 ships, than is gained by the use of sails. I am aware that it will 

 be said that the sails relieve the engines ; but upon the same prin- 

 ciple, the resistance occasioned by the masts and rigging, distress 

 the engines in proportion to the degree of resistance and the time 

 of its continuance. The truth is, as I apprehend it, the engines, 

 if properly constructed, will perform their duty just as well with- 

 out the aid of sails as with it. Every one at all accustomed to 

 the seas, must be aware that a steam ship running off at the rate 

 of ten knots an hour, would so far keep ahead of an ordinary 

 breeze, that sails would have no effect in propelling, whilst the 

 resistance of the masts and rigging would have a constant and a 

 considerable effect in retarding her. 



In crossing the Atlantic one way and the other for twelve 

 months, how few days out of the three hundred and sixty five 

 would a ship have so strong a wind, and that a fair one, as to 

 enable her to run ten knots an hour under canvas ? And if the 

 wind is not strong enough and fair enough to do that, sails can 

 be of little or no use. If, as is contended, the use of sails does 

 relieve the engines, all that can be meant by that is, that you can 

 lessen your steam power and reduce the consumption of fuel. 

 But I think that advantage will be more than counterbalanced by 

 the constantly increased resistance arising from the use of masts 

 and rigging. Your ob'dt serv't, 



Junius Smith. 



London, Sept. 19, 1838. 



