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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02494.10 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1843 |
| Title | Robert Field Stockton to John Ericsson about moving boilers in a ship |
| Date | 4 March 1843 |
| Author | Stockton, Robert Field (1795-1866) |
| Recipient | Ericsson, John |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Discusses moving the boilers on the Princeton a few feet from the aft to make more room for the engines. Mentions being held in Philadelphia because a friend has been ill for weeks. Impression in upper left corner reads "Jessup & Brothers." |
| Subjects | Navy Steamboat Disaster Science and Technology Health and Medical Military History Maritime Inventor |
| People | Ericsson, John (1803-1889) Stockton, Robert Field (1795-1866) |
| Place written | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Theme | Science, Technology, Invention; Naval & Maritime; The Mexican War |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Offered the post of Secretary of the Navy by President John Tyler in 1841, Stockton declined the offer and worked successfully to gain support for the construction of an advanced steam warship with a battery of very heavy guns. This ship became the USS Princeton (1843-1849), the Navy's first screw-propelled steamer. Along with Ericsson, Stockton oversaw the Princeton's construction; he commanded the ship when she was completed in 1843. The ship is best known for a tragic accident on board: On 28 February 1844, an explosion occurred during a demonstration of her cannon, injuring Stockton and killing several people, including the U.S. Secretaries of State and the Navy. The ship served blockade duty during the Mexican War. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |