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.
Endorsed, James Rumsey' s Petition to the State of JVew York