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.
Berkeley County^ Virginia^ ss. {^JVo. 2.)
On Monday, Decembers, 17S7, I was, requested to see an experiment on Potowmack river, made by Mr. James Rumsey's Steam Boat, and I had no sniall pleasure to see her get under weigh 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 do 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 use, and be of great advantage to all navigations, as the machine is simple, light and cheap, and will be exceeding durable, and does not occupy a space m the boat of more than four feet by two & a half.
Robert Stubbs Teacher of the Academy in Shepherds-Town.