And your petitioner humbly submits to tlie judgement of this house whether in consideration of the great expence he has already incurred in the prosecution of his objects, and the further charges which must necessarily attend the completion of his plans, the exclusive right prayed for should not be vested for such a term, as

NAVIGATION. 1097

might afford him an honorable compensation, proportioned to his services.

JAMES RUMSEY. Endorsed, 1788

James Rumsey's Petition In Assembly Dec. 18'^ 1788

Read S^Referred with the Pamphlet & papers attending the same to M^^ G. Livingston M"^. Havens & M"". Van Cortlandt

Extract of the printed minutes of the Assembly of the state of Virginia --

Saturday NovM5th 1788.

"A petition of James Rumsey, by George Morrow his attorney m fact, was presented to the house and read setting forth, that he is the original discoverer and inventor of sundry machines and engines, for propelling boats on the water by the power of steam ; for which an exclusive priviledge was granted by an act of the last assembly to a certain John Fitch, that he is well prepared to prove his prior claim to the said discovery, as also to manifest the advantages thereof, and praying that the act in favour of the said John Fitch, may be repealed.

Ordered that the said petition be referred to M"" Trage, M^ Henry, M'" Randolph, M' Carlins, M-" Bland, M"" White, M^ David Stuart, M"". Carrington and M^", King, that they do examine the matter thereof & report the same with their opinion thereupon to the House."