And that M^ Rumsey did not think himself misunderstood, must certainly be granted ; because he made no objection to any of my petitions, as interfering with his Laws, which, agreeable to his own declarations, were founded on principles very different from a Steam-boat That he had no claim to Steam under his laws, is evident, from his confession in page 4, line 31, where he says " I find my idea of Steam was nearly matured before Steam had ever entered his head by his confession to Governor Johnson viz. April 1785." Now can it be supposed that M"^ Rumsey had made considerable hnprovements on Steam-engines in 1784, or that he had obtained laws securing a right to the use of Steam to Boats, when at the time of his petitioning for, and the passing of those laws, he confesses his idea of Steam was not matured.

He says in page 3, line 1, " In the course of that fall and winter (of 1784) he made progress in some Steam-engines, and page 16 line 7, of Governor Johnsons letter, " I think in October 1785, you told me you relied on Steam for your first power, and wished me to promote your having some cylinders cast at my brother's and my works; the attempt did not succeed." Speaking of General Washington, the Governor adds " But the General seems to have thought it an irhmafured idea that he did not imagine you then relyed on^^ (viz. in November 1784.) These two last acknowl edgements on the part of M^" Rumsey, must destroy the facts ailed ged in the first, viz. that " He made progress in Steamengines in the fall and ^Yinter of 1784." For the information given to General Washington in confidence respecting the boat, was such that the General "Did not think he then relyed on Steam," which is fully confirmed, by his making use of the General's certificate to the Assemblies, wherein the discovery is treated as being "enhanced by its simplicity, and' may be executi.al by the