Author: Parker McCobb Reed

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9781230313832

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... I SHIP-BUILDING. The most prominent feature in the history of Bath and conspicuously identified with its business and growth is that which is connected with the construction and sailing of vessels. The history of the building of vessels on the Kennebec dates back nearly three centuries. Before the Pilgrim fathers had landed at Plymouth, before settlers had permanently established themselves in the New World, before any industry had set up its standands on this side of the Atlantic, the great business of building ships had begun on the Kennebec in the construction of the Virginia by the Popham colony. None of the undertakings that came afterwards were so strongly and lastingly established as the business of building ships. It has been identified with the country's growth and greatness from the very first, and its fluctuations have been the sure thermometer of the country's varying fortunes. In times of peace and plenty, the ships of the Kennebec have carried the country's products to every sea and every clime, and brought back in trade the choicest products of every nation. In times of war, the sailors trained on American merchant-men have been the bulwark of the nation against the invading navies of her foes. Great is the glory that has come to our country by the brave deeds of our sailor-men in the war of 1812, and great the prosperity that has come to our country by the achievements of our merchant marine in times of peace before and since that event. At the time when Bristol was the chief port of commerce in England, the ships hailing from there were considered models in build and rig; consequently when an American ship was rigged in a notably rakish style, it was remarked by seafaring men that she was "taut-rigged and Bristol...