M^ Fitch's endeavoring to procure patents for his boat, by uncandidly representing to the different Assemblies, that my boat had nothing to do with Steam, although he had been informed that I was before him, both in the idea and application of Steam, and he had actually procured an exclusive right from two respectable Assembles, who had granted me the same in the year 1784, before I was aware what he was about, such treatment obliged me, circumstanced as I was, to make an experiment, in order to secure my own discovery, by shewing my principles, as Mr. Fitch's conduct gave me reason to fear that he would adopt my plan, as soon as he found his abortive. And my machine, with all its misfortunes upon its head, is abundantly sufficient to prove my position ; which was, "that a boat might be so constructed, as to be propelled, through the water at the rate of ten miles in an hour, by the force of steam ; and that the machinery employed for that purpose, might be so simple & cheap, as to reduce the price of freight at least, one half in Common navigation ; likewise, that it might be forced, by the same machinery, with considerable velocity, against the constant stream of long and rapid rivers."

Such a machine I promised to prepare, and such a boat to exhibit ; this I have now so far performed, in the presence of so many witnesses, and to the satisfaction of so many disinterested gentlemen, as to convince the unprejudiced, and deprive even the sceptic of his doubt.