Thus I have laid the principles of my boat before the public, and can assure them, by the wonderful force of steam, issuing in incredible quantities, from an entirely new constructed boiler, no doubt remains but all the advantages which I before mentioned, both with respect to navigation and the raising of water will be produced. The one I have effectually proved by a loaded boat being propelled against a stream, with the velocity of four miles an hour, in the presence and to the great satisfaction of numerous spectators, and the other by models now ready to be produced, which admit not of contradiction.

If the public think these inventions, which must be productive of the greatest usefulness, worthy their patronage, I cannot fear but an exclusive right will be granted me, by the different Assemblies of the United States, for a given number of years, which they may think right, for the erecting of these machines of my own invention, to compensate me for the trouble, for the time, for the expence and for the fatigue which they have cost ne.

1020 EAKLY STEAM

If a committee of experimental philosophers should be appointed in each state, to examine me, it would give me. infinite pleasure to attend, and convince them of the practicability of all I have proposed of the simplicity of my machines & of the smallness of their expense.

I am, \vith the greatest respect,

the Public's most devoted, and obedient humble servant,

James Rumsey.

Berkeley County ^ Virginia^ January 1, 1788.