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.

If the reader will please to turn to the annexed certificates, No. 1, 2, 3, he will be convinced that on Monday, the 3d day of December last, my boat was propelled with near half her burthen on board, against the current of Potomac river, at the rate of three miles in an hour, notwithstanding the bad order the machinery was then in ; and by the certificates No. 4 and 5, on the Eleventh of the same month, by what little repairs I could give it, in a country where conveniences w^ere not to be had, her progress against the same stream was encreased to four miles in an hour, with more than half her burthen on board. What addition may not be expected, if I am enabled, by the generosity of the different Assembhes to perfect my plan 1