That the states of New Jersey and Delaware have patronised his scheem so far as to give him an exclusive right for said boats for the term of fourteen years and the state of Pennsylvania have passed a law for pubhc consideration similar thereto -- That your petitioner has invented a method of rowing boats by oars worked by cranks which was never heretofore used which applies not only to the force of steam but the strength of a horse or any other power to equally as good advantage as men with oars whereby inland navigation must be benefited nearly as much as the labour of horses is cheaper than the labour of men. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your honourable body will take into their consideration said improvements, and grant your petitioner such

1088 EARLY STEAM

encouragement as in their wisdom shall seem proper -- And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray

John Fitch New York February 21^^ 1737 Endorsed, No. 147

A petition of John Fitch Praying an exclusive Privilege for a limited Time of constructing vessels to be propelled thro' the water by the force of steam.

In Assembly February 21'ii 1787 read and referred to M'' Sickles M' Jones & M'' Hamilton.

February 27*^ 1787. M'' Sickles reported -- see the Report annexed -- a Bill was bro-t in pursuant to the prayer of the petition.

To the honourable the representatives of the state of New York

in General assembly met

Gentleman whereas your petitioner has formed a plan for facilitating the navigation of Rapid Rivers he therefore doth propose to construct a Certain Species of Boat of the Burthen of Ten Tons, which shall sail or be propell'd by the Combin'd Influences of Certain mechanical powers thereto apply'd the distance of Between Twentyfive to forty miles per day against the Current of a rapid rivei notwithstanding the velocity of the water should ntove at the Rate of five miles per hour and upwards ; with the burthen of Ten tons on Board to be wrought at no greater Expense than that of three hands ; and as a premium for so useful an Invention your petitioner prays for an act to pass this honourable house of Assembly Granting to your petitioner his heirs and assigns the sole and Exclusive right of Constructing navigaing and employing Boats Constructed after his new invented model upon each and every Creek, River, Bay Inlet & harbour within the Limits and Jurisdiction of this commonwealth, for and during the term of Ten years fully to be Compleated and ended to be Computed from the first day of January 1785 provided always that the Legislature of this Commonwealth may at any time abolish the Exclusive Right herein prayed for, by paying to your petitioner his heirs or assigns the sum of ten thousand pounds in gold or silver & your petitioner as in duty bound shall pray James Rumsey.