Jonfucius

Somewhat like the Government's penchant for releasing controversial or explosive news on Friday evenings before Federal holidays.

bob7947, where did you find this contract? I'd love to read more of these in my spare time.

Thank you for this post! Though the language is certainly more florid than we are accustomed to, many concepts of contracting still come through loud and clear:

It is further agreed that the party of the second part shall immediately appoint a superintendent, whose duty shall be to inspect the material used in constructing said boats as the work progresses, and to reject all that he may deem defective. If all of said boats are not built in one yard, then an assistant superintendent shall be appointed for each additional yard where the said boats may be in course of construction, provided there shall not be more than one superintendent to two boats.

...also known as appointing a COR and ACOR!

The usual clichés about simpler times come to mind when I read the sentence regarding modifications:

All extra work shall be estimated and paid for accordingly.

If only all mods were as easy to execute...