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.

Moses Hunter,

Berkeley County, Virginia, ss. (^J^^o. 1.)

On Monday, December 3, 1787, I was requested to see an experiment on Potowmack river, made by Mr* James Rumsey's

NAVIGATION. 1021

Steam Boat, and had no small pleasure to see her get on her way, with near half her burthen on board, and move against the current at the rate of three miles per hour, by the force of steam, without any external application whatever. I am well informed, and verily believe, that the machine at present is very imperfect and by no means capable of performing what it would do if completed : I have not the least doubt but it may be brought into common and beneficial ure, and be of advantage to all navigations, as the machine is simple light and cheap, and will be exceedingly durable, and (Iocs not occupy a space in the boat of more than four feet by two and a half.

Horatio Gates Late Major General in the Continental Army.