The committee to whom was referred the petition of James Rumsey, John Fitch and Henry Voight beg leave to report --

That having examined the said petitions and with great attention heard the Parties in support of their Respective claims are unanimously of opinion that the law which grants to Jolm Fitch an exclusive Right to all Boats propelled by Fire and Steam, hath not only secured unto him his Heirs &c. the exclusive light to the

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method he had then invented for the purpose of applying the powers of Fire or Steam in order to propel Boats, but also whatsoever improvements he may make himself or obtain from others during the time limited by said Law. And however improper so extensive a Law may be in its principles yet considering that upon a faith of the said Law several Citizens have sperit much labour and money for which they are not yet reimbursed -- and notwithstanding the Legislature may have a right to Repeal Laws which convey grants that are highly injurious to the General Welfare yet the resuming such Legislative grants ought never to be done unless upon the most pressing necessity.

Your Committee therefore beg leave to offer the following resolutions, viz.

Resolved that the prayer of the petition of James Rumsey be granted, excepting so far as it respects the propelling of Boats by the force of Fire or Steam.

Resolved that the prayer of the petition of Henry Voight cannot be granted.