J.A. Seymour letter to Admiral Robert S. Griffin - December 14, 1917
Transcript
JAS/IB December 14th, 1917. Admiral R.S. Griffin, Engineer-in-Chief, U.S. Navy, Chief of Bureau of Steam Engineering, Navy Department, -Washington, D.C. Dear Admiral Griffin:- I have your circular notice of the 12th, enclosing minutes of the Meeting in New York on the 10th. Since we have never undertaken the manufacture of light Diesel engines here in Auburn, and are now actively engaged in the manufacture of heavy commercial engines, which are almost equally important at the present time, it seemed better, all things considered, that I should withdraw from the Committee, rather than attempt to join either Class A or Class B. In doing so, I would like to state that, although here in Auburn our present plan is to confine our activities to the development of the heavier type, I am deeply interested in the securing of a satisfactory light Diesel engine for Submarines, and shall be glad to have you call on me at any time that I can give any aid. At the same time, I cannot help but express great regret at what seems to me a most unfortunate situation. I believe you will agree with me that the results of the activities of those who have actually built, or are now actually building Diesel engines for Submarines in this country have been very unsatisfactory both to the Navy Department and to the Diesel Engine Builders. I do not believe that the situation will ever be satisfactory so long as this condition exists. It occurs to me that possibly representatives of these concerns should get together with the Secretary of the Navy and yourself and discuss certain disadvantageous conditions under which both the builders and the Department labor at the present time that the situation might be greatly improved.
Transcript
Admiral R.S. Griffin [page 2] 12/14-[1917] JAS/IB I feel impelled to make this suggestion from patriotic motives, although I have no idea whether it would be agreeable to you or to the Engine Builders referred to. I cannot but feel that if this had been done before the Collaberation plan had been decided upon, that it would have increased the chances of something worth while being secured. Also, I feel that something of this kind has to be done to secure results, unless the Navy Department wishes to take upon its shoulders, the entire development and building of these engines. If you would like to have me attempt to arrange such a meeting, with representatives of the New London Ship & Engine Building Company, Busch-Sulzer Diesel Engine Company, and Mr. Craig, who, I believe, comprise the list of actual builders, I shall be very glad to attempt it. In closing, I think it most unfortunate that some of your younger Officers, in their enthusiasm to develop a Submarine engine, should have taken the ground that the Submarine Chaser engine should be of the same type. It seems to me this is absurd, and if there is any real need of Submarine Chasers that it is more than unfortunate. Very truly yours, P.S.- The Minutes of the last Meeting seem to make me out a re-actionary of the most extreme type. I did not state that
Details
| Title | J.A. Seymour letter to Admiral Robert S. Griffin - December 14, 1917 |
| Creator | Seymour, J.A. |
| Source | Seymour, J.A. Letter to Robert S. Griffin. 14 December 1917. Busch-Sulzer Collection. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin. |
| Description | Letter from J.A. Seymour of McIntosh and Seymour Corporation, to Admiral Robert S. Griffin of the United States Navy. The McIntosh and Seymour Corporation was based out of Auburn, New York and created Diesel type oil engine and steam engines. This letter refers to a meeting of designers and engineers coordinated to produce engines for World War I. |
| Subject LCSH | Diesel engine; Submarine boats; Busch-Sulzer brothers Diesel engine company |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Contributing Institution | Wisconsin Historical Society |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Wisconsin Historical Society: 608-264-6535 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | December 14, 1917 |
| Language | English |