"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as also to manifest the advantages thereof, and praying that the act in favour of the said John Fitch, may be repealed.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."

Thursday the 20"! of November, 178S

"The speaker laid before the house a letter and petition of John Fitch, praying that he may still enjoy the exclusive priviledge of conducting steamboats within this state, which was granted to him, by an Act of the last session of Assembly ; and, that all attempts to interfere with this right, may be disregarded ; which was read and ordered to referrefl, to the committee to whom the petition of James Rumsey was referred."

Fryday the 21^^ of November 17SS. --

"M'" David Stuart rt'ported fioni tiit; r'uuiiiiucc to niiora the

]098 EARLY STEAM

petitions of James Rumsey and John Fitch were committed, thj^t the committee had according to order, had the same under their consideration, and had agreed upon a report, and came to several resolutions thereupon, which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered in at the clerks table, when the same were again twice read, and agreed to by the house as followeth :"