B. the publication of James Rumsey alluded to in my preface, is not annexed as it is expected his friends will send them forward, I am preparing a full confutation, as I believe, to the pretensions of said Rumsey to the steam-boat, or boiler, which will shortly be pubhshed, until when I apprehend nothing will be done by any legislature to my prejudice.

Jn" : Fitcb.

POSTSCRIPT.

Since this Pamphlet went to press a second edition of M'. Rumsey's has been printed in this city, in which a short advertisement is prefixed and an extract of his own letter to General Washington w^hich are as follow :

j3D VERTISEMEJrr.

The following pages are taken from a pamphlet published in Virginia, to prove the author's prior right of applying steam, to propel boats, &.c. as well as to establish the' principles on which he has done it, a few copies were then thought sufficient for thai

VOL. II. es

1074- EARI-V STEAM

purpose, but as M'' Fitch intends to answer the pamphlet, it is therefore necessary lo repubhsh as much of it as respects M' Fitch, which is (lone with no other variation, from the original, than to correct a few of the omissions and mistakes that were introduced into the first publication, fVom the hurry in which it was done, (as the author at the time could not attend the press) and was circulated with an apoJogy annexed to the postscript, for the imperfection of the impressions ;' of these corrections, perhaps M'^ Fitch may take some notice, if he should, such part of the old pamphlet shall be reprinted (verbatim) to convince the Public that the subject lias not been varied • but a little better explained. The sophistry in Mr Fitch's reply (should it contain what he informs me it does) is evidently calculated to make impressions, unfavourable of me, on the Public mind, and to wound the reputation of several respectable characters, I must therefore beg the Public's indulgence, to suspend their opinion for a few weeks, when I shall have it in my power to lay before them such additional statement of facts, supported by such respectable testimony, as will incontestibly prove the unjustifiable steps M^ Fitch has taken, to deprive the author of his discoveries, and to injure the reputation of sundry gentlemen.