I think it proper to inform you that I am about to set off for Albany where I propose to be on the 15*^ ins* in Order to present a Petition to the Legislature of the State of New York in Behalf of M"" James Rumsey praying a grant of the exclusive Privilege of constructing and using within that state his model of propelling Vessels by the Force of Steam & the Boilers by him invented for generating Steam, m Order that you may be heard if you think proper to attend -- yours &c Joseph Barnes

M"^ John Fitch attorney for James Rumsey

VOL. II. 69

1090 EARLY STEAM

On the tenth day of December Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight; Before me Clement Biddle esquire Notary and Tabellion public for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania duly commissioned and qualified, and one of the Justices of the court of common pleas for the city and County of Philadelphia dwelling in the said city Personally came George Kemp who bemg duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and say That on the day of the date hereof at the request of Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey he went to the dwelling or Lodging of M' John Fitch and in presence of Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey as aforesaid delivered to the said John Fitch a true copy of the paper writing contained on the other side hereof and further saith not

George Kemp