Mr.T.H.Ismay, of Liverpool, the spirited shipowner, then formed, in conjunction with the late Mr.G.H.Fletcher, the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, Limited; and we were commissioned by them to build six large Transatlantic steamers, capable of carrying a heavy cargo of goods, as well as a full complement of cabin and steerage passengers, between Liverpool and New York, at a speed equal, if not superior, to that of the Cunard and Inman lines.

The vessels were to be longer than any we had yet constructed, being 420 feet keel and 41 feet beam, with 32 feet hold.
This was a great opportunity, and we eagerly embraced it.

The works were now up to the mark in point of extent and appliances.

The men in our employment were mostly of our own training: the foremen had been promoted from the ranks; the manager, Mr.W.H.Wilson, and the head draughtsman, Mr.W.J.Pirrie (since become partners), having, as pupils, worked up through all the departments, and ultimately won their honourable and responsible positions by dint of merit only--by character, perseverance, and ability.

We were therefore in a position to take up an important contract of this kind, and to work it out with heart and soul.
As everything in the way of saving of fuel was of first-rate importance, we devoted ourselves to that branch of economic working.
It was necessary that buoyancy or space should be left for cargo, at the same time that increased speed should be secured, with as little consumption of coal as possible.