Fitch's Steam boat, which with great labour and perseverance he has at length compleated and has likewise been on board whtn the boat was worked against both wind and tide, with a very considerable degree of velocity by the force of Steam only. M-'. Fitclrs merit in constructing a good Steam-engine and applying it to so useful a purpose will no doubt meet with the encouragt^ment he so justly deserves from the generosity of his countrymen, especially those who wish to promote every improvement of the useful arts in America.

DAVID RITTENHOUSE. Philadelphia^ Bee. 12th, 1787.

No. 25. , Having also seen the boat urged by the force of Steam and having been on board of it when in motion, I concur in the above opinion of M'^. Fitch's merits.

JOHN EWINO

No. 26. From the well known force of Steam. I was one of the first of those who encouraged M^. Fitch to reduce his theory of a Steam

1076 EARLY STEAM

boat to practice, in which he has succeeded far beyond my expectations. I am now fully of opinion that Steam-boats may be made to answer valuable purposes in facilitating the internal navigation of the United States, and that M''. Fitch has great merit in applying a Steam-engine to so valuable a purpose and entitled to every encouragement from his country and countrymen.

ANDREW ELLICOTT. Philadelphia^ December 13ih 1787,

Copy of M^. Rumseijs Extract .M". 19. The following is part of a letter, wrote by the editor, to his