TO THE EDITORS OF THE BOSTON ATLAS -- Gentlemen: I noticed in your columns a communication headed "Clippers" and signed "Square." I am very sorry that I should feel under the necessity to make a reply to Mr. Square. He says:-- "In describing the clipper ships Surprise and Game Cock, barques Mermaid and Race Horse -- all vessels of beautiful models - you have omitted to state that they were designed and modelled by Samuel H. Pook, who is a young man of great scientific attainments." I would be the last to disparage Mr. Pook's scientific attainments, but when Mr. Square, undertakes to deprive me of any credit I have fairly acquired, and place it to the account of another, I shall take the liberty to correct him. I did, after several solicitations from Mr. Pook, employ him to make the models, under my directions, above named -- not that I believe he thought I needed any of his science, but the reverse. He wished to get his name before the public, and wished me to render him all the assistance I could. I did so, the first model made was that of the barque Race Horse. The design was taken from the barque Coquette, designed and built by me several years ago, and the alterations from her were suggested by myself, and approved by Messrs. Paul and J.M. Forbes, before Mr. Pook knew such a vessel was to be built; after the second time trying I did approve of the model, and he laid her down and made the moulds. The next was the ship Surprise. Mr. Square just ask Mr. Pook how many models he made for that ship before I was satisfied, or would consent to have her laid down and moulds made? Just three. The ship Game Cock's model was made for Capt. Daniel C. Bacon, and exhibited to me for my approval, and I did approve of it with some slight alterations, and they were made and I built the ship. The next, and last, was the barque Mermaid. Her model was made for Messrs. Edward Gassett & Co., and by me altered and approved before the moulds were made. This is the true history of the designing and modelling of the above named vessels. And it is a little remarkable that it should so happen that I should have had the good fortune to have built all the beautifully designed and modelled vessels, while all the other models and designs of his are left unnoticed. These are the facts, Mr. Square, and all the merits you have gained for the scientific gentleman by your communication, I shall leave for those interested to judge.
SAMUEL HALL, East Boston.
Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius.
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