As to his drawing water in at the bottom, and pushing it out at the stern of a vessel, it is no new invention, but was long before presented to the

NAVIGATION. 1065

Philosophical Society at Philadelphia. The thought came originally from France, of which I was acquainted before he bespoke any of his works for steam, and contended the right of using it with M'" Arthur Donaldson, in the beginning of 1786, before the Assembly of Pensylvania, as he attempted at that time, to assume the discovery to himself.

No. 13.

I well remember when M^^ Arthur Donaldson proposed befor« the Committee of Assembly, a method of navigating boats by a stream of water forced through by means of a steam engine ; thai you appeared to be acquainted with the principle, which was said to be originally D^ Franklin's, and that you then declared it had beep your intention to have made an experiment upon it.

GEO. CLYMER.

M-^ John Fitch

May 17, 1788.

In spite of all opposition I was left in full possession of that or any other way I chose, provided I worked by steam, and no man cantakept from me until my laws expire. I conceive we have by no means come to the greatest perfection of applying our power. I am now trying an experiment, and the machine is nearly finished, to propel a boat not by expelling water, but air; and hope M^ Rumsey will allow that this is a mode peculiar to myself; but if he pleases he will deny it and assert that he had privately tried some experiments to ascertain its practicability -- I further hope that the publick will make great allowances for my not being more forward in my plans, especially when they consider the great difficulty of procuring proper workmen, together with the new and unexplored grounds that I had to travel over, but hope shortly that I shall have it so perfect as to give full satisfaction of its utility.