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.

PROOFS, &c.

Bertelry County, ss.

We the subscribers, Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, do certify, that the annexed affidavits, certificates and extracts of letters have been examined by us, and are true copies from the originals.

John Keahsley, Cato Moore. December 28, 1787.

Virginia, Berkeley County, ss. I 1 I, Moses Hunter, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify, that John Kear?ley and Cato Moore, Genllenien, who have subscribed the above certificate, were at that time, and still are Justices of the Peace, for said county, and that all due faith and credit is and ought to be given to all probates by them so signed, as well in Justice Courts as thereout. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 29th. day of December, 1787.