O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1849.

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 1001 " between the Line which has been settled by Treaty as well " with the Tribes of the Six Nations and their Confederates, as " with the Cherokee Indians, as the boundary Line between Your " Majesty's Territories & the hunting Grounds of the Indians, & " the Line proposed by the Petitioners begmning on the south side " of the River Ohio opposite to the …

His MajESTY taking the said Report into Consideration was pleased w^ith the advice of His Privy Council to approve of what was therein proposed, and accordingly to give the necessary directions to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations for carrying the same into execution -- And His Majesty is hereby pleased to order that the Right Hon^ie the Earl of Dartmouth, one …

In the French time, their Traders rambled in that manner: they were often plundered, and killed ; but the French did not resent it, knowing it was their own foults, -- and we must again remark, as we have often done lately, that there is no certain way of preventing this, but by having fixed Posts, and proper Regulations for the Traders. Whilst these subsisted there were …

When we first saw the White People, and fastened the Ship to the great Tree, the Band of our Union, was a fair Trade : when we strengthened our Alliance with the English, and fastened the Ship with an Iron Chain, which was afterwards made of Silver, Trade was our mutual object, and in most subsequent Treaties it was provided that Trade should be plentiful, and that we should …

Brother, we beg you will consider our case, so as that the Governors concerned may do what has been promised ; we must likewise solicit the favor of the General, that both he, and you may lay our Hardships before the King who I trust will relieve us. -- In this Hope we now on behalf of all our Confederacy, renew, strengthen, and brighten the Covenant Chain, -- and the Senecas …

There is however no doubt, that when the Colonies are agreed as to the nature of the Regulations, provision will be made against the Abuses you complain of -- and in the mean time I recommend it to you to endeavor at reforming yourselves by a more moderate use of that Liquor in which case the Traders will bring less into your Country, and you will be more on your guard against …

Whilst they value themselves & their confederates, I hope they will retain it iirmly ; and I expect, that as the Western Door, they will hereafter take care that they admit nothing among them that may give offence to those in the middle, or at the East end of the Chain, but hearken to good advice, and follow it. To promote all this, I do now, on behalf of the Great King, and …

It is with Pain I am under the necessity of Complaining again against that old Rogue, the old Disturber of our village, George Klock. You are long acquainted with his Artifices, and evil Conduct, and you have often assured us you had applied for Redress ; but whatever is the Reason, we never yet Obtained any Satisfaction, and we begin to be doubtful whether the English w^ill …

To promote all this, I do now, on behalf of the Great King, and his subjects, renew, strengthen and brighten this Chain, assuring you that it shall be held fast, and kept bright, on the part of the English, and that it shall last for ever, if you do your parts to preserve it. I hoplfe that you have too much sense of its value to expose it to any danger, and that you will …

You are long acquainted with his Artifices, and evil Conduct, and you have often assured us you had applied for Redress ; but whatever is the Reason, we never yet Obtained any Satisfaction, and we begin to be doubtful whether the English will afford it to us, for which reason we are driven to the necessity of mentioning our Grievances to you in the Presence of the whole t:| J …

Klock has since Stolen home like a Rogue as he went out, and when we had notice of it, and applied to him to sign the Release, (which all the rest did) of the Lands w'^^ he Stole, he appointed a time for it, but when we came to his House, and brought a Justice of Peace to be present, he refused Admittance to him & us, and has since ran away, and propagated a Story that some of …

We beg that the great Men who manage the White People, may obtain Justice for us, and cause him to sign the Deed, and let us alone, -- And if we thought this would still be done, we would willingly wait awhile patiently, otherwise, we cannot answer for the Consequences. To which Sir William Johnson answ^. That they need not have mentioned tliis Matter to their Confederacy, who …

GUY JOHNSON TO LT GOV. GOLDEN. [From N. Y. Col. MSS.] Guy Park Augst 2d. 1774. Sir, Since I had the honor of Writing to you last, I have received his Excell^y Gen^ Gages Orders Appointing me to the Superintendency of Indian affairs till his Majestys pleasure is known, concerning which he has Likewise wrote to the Secrety of State as Sir W"^ Johnson had done agreeable to the …

Having been much indisposed for some days past it was not sooner in my power to write to you on a matter complained of by the Indians at the late Congress respecting the conduct of their old Antagonist Geo : Klock; It would take up too much of your time to enter at present into the relation of his repeated Offences, these were highly aggravated by the circumstance of his …

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 1007 be laid before Government as it had been before, tho' without effect, he having refused to Execute the Release, Klock has since returned to his House where he keeps close, so that the Indians have nothing to expect from his Justice, & thro' repeated disappointments are in doubt of relief from Government, this has induced some of their People to throw …

I could however wish" I was enabled to promise them some relief, whilst I am endeavoring to prevent mischief, as their public complaint to the rest has made it a matter of serious concern. I had the pleasure to conclude the Treaty (which was interrupted by the death of your Worthy friend Sir Willm Johnson) in a satisfactory manner, and Deputies are sent from each of the …

•,* On the 16th April, 1801, seven Bundles of Sir Wm. Johnson's papers were deposited in the Secretary's office, with the list of the contents of each Bundle. What remain of these MSS. are now published, except the Journals of Indian proceedings, some powers of attorney aud a few other legal papers. In comparing wliat has been preserved with the original list, on file, the fol …

Johnson to Lord Hillsborough, 15 Feb. 1767 " Genl. Gage to Sir Wm. Johnson, 5 Apr. 1767 " Capt. Maturin to " 13 Apr. 1767 " Genl. Gage to " 17 Apr. 1767 " " to " 4 May 1767 " " to " 11 May 1767 << Ld Hillsborough to « 13 May 1767 «< Genl. Gage to " IJune 1767 " Capt. Maturin to " 3 June 1767 " Genl. Gage to « 28 June 1767 " " to " 12July 1767 " " to " 20July 1767 <« " to « 7 …

Johnson, 12 Dec. 1768 c( " to '• 4 Jany. 1769 « Lt. Gov. Colden to " 10 Jany. 1769 " Sir Wm. Johnson to Lt. Gov. Colden, 26 Feb. 1769 « Lord Hillsborough to Sir Wm. Johnson, 24 Mch. 1769 Sir Wm. Johnson to Lord Hillsborough, 17 May 1769 Sec'y Pownall to Sir Wm. Johnson, 26 June 1769 " Lord Hillsborough to « 5 Aug. 1769 '< Sec'y Pownall to « 6 Sept. 1769 ** Lt. Gov. Colden to « …

As the files of the Colonial MSS. in the State Department are now in progress of arrangement in order to be bound, and catalogued, persons happening to have any of the above papers are respectfully requested t,o return them, addressed, under cover, to the Secretary of State, Albany, N. Y. 15 Nov. 17 Jany. 18 Jany. 22 Apr. 28 Sept. 3 Oct. 15 Nov. 9 Dec. 31 Dec. 4 May 4 Dec …

Fitch intends to answer the pamphlet, it is therefore necessary to republish as much of it as lospects Mr. Fitch, which is done with no other variation, from the original, than to correct a few of the omissions and mistakes that were introduced into the first publication, from the hurry m which it was done, (as the author at that time could not attend the press) arid was …

Fitch knew (from his own account of the matter) that steam had ever been made use of for any purpose whatever ; how then is it possible he sbouhl have the prior right to this discovery 1 if it is asked who made the most promising experiment? it would be found that ray experiments two years since exceed the best he has ever made; must I then be deprived of my discoveries which …

THOSE who have had the good fortune to discover a new machine, or to make any material improvement on such as have been already discovered, must lay their account to encounter innumerable difficulties ; they must arm themselves with patience to abide disappointments ; to correct a thousand imperfections (which the trying hand of experience alone can point out) to endure the …

M^ Fitch's endeavoring to procure patents for his boat, by uncandidly representing to the different Assemblies, that my boat had nothing to do with Steam, although he had been informed that I was before him, both in the idea and application of Steam, and he had actually procured an exclusive right from two respectable Assembles, who had granted me the same in the year 1784 …

And my machine, with all its misfortunes upon its head, is abundantly sufficient to prove my position ; which was, "that a boat might be so constructed, as to be propelled, through the water at the rate of ten miles in an hour, by the force of steam ; and that the machinery employed for that purpose, might be so simple & cheap, as to reduce the price of freight at least, one …

If the reader will please to turn to the annexed certificates, No. 1, 2, 3, he will be convinced that on Monday, the 3d day of December last, my boat was propelled with near half her burthen on board, against the current of Potomac river, at the rate of three miles in an hour, notwithstanding the bad order the machinery was then in ; and by the certificates No. 4 and 5, on the …

And though the great utility of such a boat will appear, if ever a fair trial should be given it j and at the time of that exhibition it was fully my intention to complete this boat, yet, in the course of that fall and winter, I made such progress in the improvement of some steam engines^ which I had long conceived would become of the greatest consequence in navigation, that I …

I therefore wrote to General Washington, the 10th of March, 1785 (No. 19) that I intended applying both powers to a boat built after the Model of the one he saw at Bath ; but as I was under many disadvantages, arising from my remote situation, and could gain truth only by successive experiments, incredible delays were produced ; and though my distresses were greatly increased …

These consideratiens compelled me to pursue the perfecting my Steam Engines with encreased ardor, and happy am I to inform the public, they are now so far completed, as to manifest their valuable purposes for the navigations before-mentioned, applicable to vessels of all dimensions, equal to forcing boats by the assistance of poles, worked by the same machine, against any …

Fitch (though 1 believe the fact to be exactly the reverse) I have been at the pains to prove incontestibly, that my idea of a boat to be worked by Steam was a considerable time before his, and that it had been mentioned at Kentucky (from whence, I am told, he brought his) by a* gentleman to whom I communicated it, previous to his departure to that country. For the former, the …

By the respectable testimony of his excellency General Washington, No. 13 ; by Governor Johnson, No. 14, and by certificates and affidavits from many other gentlemen, hereunto annexed, I prove my idea was nearly matured, before steam had ever entered his imagination, by his own confession to Governor Johnson, No. 14. Nor. was my priority unknown to Mr. Fitch, for General …

Fitch's boat so loaded with machinery, complexity and expense, (granting his machine all the properties he ascribed to it in his publication) can never be useful; as his machine, by his own publications, allowing for frictions and the necessary slipping of his paddles through the water, will not propel his boat, at the rate of more than three miles in an hour, where no current …

IN the bottom of the boat, on the Kelson, there is a trunk, the after end of which is open, and terminates at the stern post ; the other end is closed, and the whole trunk, according to its dimensions, occupies about three fourth parts of the length of the boat. On the closed end of the trunk stands a cylinder two and a half feet long, from this cylinder, there is a …

The upper cyhnder acts as a steamengine, and receives its steam from a boiler under its piston, which is then carried up to the top of the cylinder by the steam (at the same time, the piston of the lower cyUnder is brought up to its top, from its connection M-ith the upper piston, by the aforesaid bolt,) they then shut the communication from the boiler, and open another to …

It is well known that a heavy body falling near the earth wull pass through a space of about fifteen feet in the first second of time ; if the same body was acted upon in a horizontal direction, by an impulse equal to its weight, it would move in that direction tlie same distance in an equal time; it follows, then, that the water in the trunk, will have the effect …

Thus I have laid the principles of my boat before the public, and can assure them, by the wonderful force of steam, issuing in incredible quantities, from an entirely new constructed boiler, no doubt remains but all the advantages which I before mentioned, both with respect to navigation and the raising of water will be produced. The one I have effectually proved by a loaded …

If the public think these inventions, which must be productive of the greatest usefulness, worthy their patronage, I cannot fear but an exclusive right will be granted me, by the different Assemblies of the United States, for a given number of years, which they may think right, for the erecting of these machines of my own invention, to compensate me for the trouble, for the …

I 1 I, Moses Hunter, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify, that John Kear?ley and Cato Moore, Genllenien, who have subscribed the above certificate, were at that time, and still are Justices of the Peace, for said county, and that all due faith and credit is and ought to be given to all probates by them so signed, as well in Justice Courts as thereout. In testimony …

I am well informed, and verily believe, that the machine at present is very imperfect and by no means capable of performing what it would do if completed : I have not the least doubt but it may be brought into common and beneficial ure, and be of advantage to all navigations, as the machine is simple light and cheap, and will be exceedingly durable, and (Iocs not occupy a …

James Rumsey's Steam Boat, and I had no sniall pleasure to see her get under weigh with near half her burthen on board, and move against the current at the rate of three miles per hour, by the force of steam without any external application whatever : I am well informed, and do verily believe, that the machine at present is very imperfect and by no means capable of performing …

Being requested to see an experiment made by M' James RuMSEY's Steam Boat, on Potowmack river, on Monday, the 3d of December, 1787, it was with great pleasure that we saw her get under way, with two tons on board, exclusive of her rauchliiery, and move against the current at the rate of three miles in an hour, by the force of Steam, without any external application whatever …

Personally appeared before us, John Kearsley and Cato Moore, Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, the sundry subscribers to the above certificate, who are all gentlemen of reputation, and by us supposed to be competent Judges of what they have set forth, and they acknowledge the same to be their voluntary act, we were likewise present at the exhibition, and certify …

We think the machinery does not weigh more than six or seven hundred weight, and is not included in the burthen mentioned above. Berkeley County^ Virginia^ ss. Personally appeared before us, two of the Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, the sundry subscribers to the above certificate, who are all gentlemen of reputation, and by us supposed to be competent judges …

James Rumsey's Steam Boat, on Potowmack river, on Tuesday the 11th of December 1787, it was with great pleasure we saw her get under way with upwards of three tons on board, and move against the current at the rate of four miles an hour, by the force of steam, without any external application whatever : We are well informed, and believe, that the machinery at present is very …

The affidavit of William Askew, of Berkeley County, and State of Virginia, sheweth, that he was in the city of Philadelphia, as well as he remembers, in the month of S<'ptember last, when he had an opportunity of seeing what is called the Steam Boat, said to be constructed by Mr. Fitch ; on taking a view of^ which boat, (and from the information of a' gentleman, who appeared …

Rumsey's steam machinery will not, on its present construction, weigh more than eight hundred pounds, anil may be worked with a very inconsiderable amount of wood or coals, perhaps not more coals in twelve hours than four bushels; and that ?vlr. Piumsey's boiler need have no more water, at one time, than one pint, or perhaps not so much, to keep the machinery in sufficient …

Rumsev's Steam Boat, agreeable to the present different plans of working each boat, would be of the greatest public utility ; I have, at their importunities, conseni?ed, (as far as ray knowledge of the maiter will admit) to give my opinion, vdthout reserve, to the best of m.y judgment ; and as I have seen both Mr. Fitch's and Mr. Rumsey's steam boats, with the machinery, or at …

It is obvious therefore that a machine weighing one twentieth only, and of small size, comparative with the other, and by many degress less complicated, must prove of the greatest jmblic utility, and w^ll be practised in preference to the other. I do therefore give it as my opinion, that Mr. Rumsey's plan is Jto be preferred to Mr. Fitch's. Given under my hand at Shejierd's …

James Rumsey informed him, in the year 1784 that he was projecting a boat to work with steam, and the said George has heard, and verily believes that the said Mr. Rumsey, from the time of his leaving the agency of the Potomack Company, has pursued his intention of perfecting his Steam Engine for that purpose with unremitted attention, which the said George is informed is now …

Rumsay informed him in the year 1784, that he was proposing a boat to work with steam, and that the said Nicholas doth know that the said Mr. Rnmsey from that time has pursued his intention of perfecting his steam engine for that purpose, and that the said Nicholas has been on board of the said Rurasey's boat, when going by the power of Steam, and has reason to believe it nray …

That in the winter M' Rumsey told him he had made sundry improvements ; in particular, that he had in-vented an entirely new Constructed boiler ; that the said Rumsey sent to a forge for iron, and set two smiths to work, with directions how to make it ; but when it was ready to be put together, he found, upon examination, the workmanship was so badly executed that it would not …

Rumsey had his new-constructed boiler repaired, which he the said Charles conceives to be the most capital contrivance to make steam that can be invented, for when the Machine is not at work, the whistling of the Steam may be heard at least half a mile ; and he is convinced that it does not hold more than three gallons of water ; and the said Charles further saith that Mr …

Soon after (he thinks in September) he went, by the request of Mr. Rumsey, to Baltimore, to get some machinery cast for the boat • and in October and November in Frederick-town, he got all the other machinery made for an experiment by Steam. In December it was put on the Boat, at Shanandoah Falls, but before it could' be got ready for trial, the ice began to drive, which …

The next experiment was attempted in December, with the new constructed boiler, but the violence of the heat was so great, from the steam, that it melted the soft solder that great part of the machine was put together wuth, and rendered it entirely useless, until repaired with hard solder ; about this time the ice drifting, carried off the boat which the machinery was made …

And the said Barns further saith, that M^ Rumsey has, to his Knowledge, injured his circumstances very much, by quitting all kinds of business to pursue the boat ; that he the said Barns, has received of the said Rumsey five pounds per month besides his board, from April, 1785, to the present time ; which in his opinion, is but a small part of the expenses the said M^". Rumsey …

A PARAGRAPH from General Washington's Letter, in answer to mine of the 10th of March 1785. " It gives me much pleasure to find by your letter, that you are not less sanguine in your boat project than when I saw you in Richmond, and that you have made such further discoveries as will render them more extensively useful than was at first expected, vou have my best wishes for the …

I was entirely ignorant of the principle on which you were to gain your power, and your manner of applying it, till our return from .the Great Falls together, in October or November (but I think October) 1785, when you told me that you relied on steam for your first power, and wished me to promote your having cylinders cast at my brother's and my works ; the attempt did not …

principle to General Washington, as I thought,* tho' perhaps mistakenly, at the time your model and experiment were exhibited before the General ; and with the approbation of the committee, wrote to the General on the subject ; his answer now before me, is to this effect, that "at that time, September, 1784, nothing was intimated of Steam ; that the November following, in …

I esteem myself no ways competent to decide on philosophical or mechanical principles, but if you can simplify the steam engine, render it cheap, and apply its powers to raise water in great quantities for the purpose of agriculture and water works of all kinds, or apply the powers more immediately, as has been much the subject of conversation between us at times, every man …

lie was of opinion that a boat might be constructed to work by Steninj and that he intended to give it a trial, and mentioned some of the machinery that would be necessary to reduce it to practice : athl the said Michael further saith, that he set out for Kentucky, immediately after, in order to survey some lands, and resided there up^v.irds of Eighteen months, and that during …

Buckley is so concerned for, is a partner with M^' Rumsey in his steamboat, 'Tis copied and annexed, to prove how busy M"" Fitch has been in calumny, and how easily he found credit and propagators. Should he incline to assert hereafter, what credit he will deserve has been. so clearly proved, that future impositions may be avoided ; and those who spread slander they do not …

It was not my intention, at this time to present to the Public a description of some improvements I have made upon the construction of Water Mills of several kinds, and would not have introduced the small sketch given here, of some part of such plans which I now have, and hereafter may propose, and exhibit to the world, but as I find by expierience, that there is danger of …

On investigation of Doctor Barker's thoughts on a new invented mill, that if a few difficulties (which appeared insuperable in his plan) could be removed, it would be the most powerful method of directing water to turn mills, or other machinery (where circumvolution is required) that has been yet discovered or made use of. These apparent difficulties I have been happy enough …

With regard to a Saw Mill, or any other machines that have retrograde movements, I have contrived a method of 'supplying them with water, in such a manner, that one twentieth part of what is generally expended, M'ill answer every intent and purpose requisite-- My new invented Machine for raising Water, is simple ; the cost will not be more than twenty guineas, to complete the …

After mentioning that kind of machine for propelling boats which the General had seen a model of, 1 proceed to say, -- " I have taken the greatest pains to perfect another kind of boat, upon the principles I mentioned to you at Richmond in November last, and have the pleasure to inform you that I have brought it to great perfection ; it is true it will cost something more than …

The principle of this boat I am very cautious not to explain, as it would be easily executed by an ingenious person. The plan I mean to pursue, is to put both the machines on board of boats* built on a large scale, and then, sir, if you would be kind •There were two boats connected, in the model I exhibited in September 1784, which is the reason I speak of boats in the plural …

It is this Edition that Fitch alludes to in his " Preface, post. p. 1040." But it is identically a reprint of the above, with the exception of a paragraph complaining of some person in Baltimore who in June, 1787, borrowed his plan of raising water by steam, and then had a machine made on Mr. Rumsey's principle. This person "had the audacity to petition the Maryland Assembly …

James Rumsey an ingenious Gentleman a native of Maryland but lately from Virginia in December last exhibited before a number of respectable characters in Maryland and Virginia the effects of Steam in propelling a boat of considerable Burthen against the Current of the River Powtomack, and models of machines for the Raising Water to a great height and in large Quantities by the …

To this end the persons a list of whose names is herewith sent formed themselves into a Company by the name of the Rumseian Society ?^x\A appointed us a Committee of Correspondence to further the design in distant places. As steam Engines are now used in Europe not only for the purpose of raising water from Mines of Great depth but for a variety of other mechanical purposes …

Joseph Barnes we are informed is a very ingenious mechanic who has been employed by James Rumsey in Constructing his several machines and is -perfectly acquainted with all his Inventions and has abilities adequate to the Construction of them in the absence of the Inventor. He is also in possession of the models and Drafts necessary to show the UtiHty of them and as soon as …

As the promotion of useful Discoveries in the Arts and sciences is an Object worthy the Attention of Enlightened men and accordingly has in all ages and Countries met with Patrons amongst those most distinguished for their knowledge, good sense and Patriotism, we doubt not but that a Scheme, that promises so f much improvement will meet with advocates and support in the …

With the greatest Respect Your assured Friends and obedient humble servants MiERS Fisher Benjamin Wynkoop Levi Hollingsworth The Hono^'ie John Lansing Esq^ Speaker of the House of Assembly EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION. A LIST OF THE RUMSEIAN SOCIETY. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esq"^. William Barton Arthur St. Clair William Bingham Benjamin Wynkoop James Tunchard John Jones …

William Redwood & Son Endorsed A Letter from Miers Fisher and others of the Rumseian Society at Philadelphia to the Speaker of the Assembly in New York. In Assembly Dec ]8th 1788. Read & referred with the Petition of James Rumsey to Mr Livingston Mr. Havens and Mr. Van Cortlandt. Richard Adams Samuel Wheeler Samuel Magaw Adam Kuhn Miers Fisher M. F. for Robert Barclay of …

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on i/ourjfap and that Ifiare a perfect recollection ofall Otde Loral'ttW aj shen'n, and you a e-e perfectly i nil/ Surveyor S'tate or.Ven lirh Cdy and Count,/ of.Ve,, loi* S' John //,ilcAini,.r orii;il,ar„siur,fh L/iriUfe/uff Snorn depeueth and saith Ihctt the lirh rrf fcrfi, ,n the fl.rvifoiny remarlcr and dcrcriptiqa ly h,m,,ul>.iir,icd a,-e ':rz::l:Zi:"'""""" c^^^^ …

.hlin Fdch died in Knlu./.r u, Ihe.ycdr ITM, and iThe or P Fuhori had n'riHen their own history. /h„,-e no douif. either one or loth of Ihem n.au/d Aat; M sonu- account of the Iraiiraclimi rss related here iy me, but ffndmii no account of if in Ihe hisforr af either, /haiie yiven as e.rart an account ofd as IpofsiUy can. //army oflen .ipofien of d, /do hefirve my memory to lie …

The Clcrmoiil Irfl Ihe nharf allorlears //oo/iS made m spral Prom i lo .5 miles an hour /,(»/ THE WORLD IS INDEBTED And lo tlio persn'prance and mdefatieable attfniioii tu the THE ORIGINAL IDEA AND TO THE MECHANICAL CENIUS OF JOHN FITCH, OF EAST WINDSOR, CONN. f Steam nf Robert Fulton Estt. P? The wealth & exalted character of Robert R. Livmg.ston Esq. laiancellor ol the State …

Rumseys Pamphlet, which will discover, to every impartial person who will take the trouble to examine the subject, that he hath no sort of just pretensions to the claims he hath exhibited. -- His skill in the mechanism of a Steam Engine, may possibly be greater than mine, and in the article of Condensation I freely acknowledge he is my superior, having acquired the art of …

It is an exercise of malevolence in the extreme thus publicly to prefer charges against an innocent person without previously knowing or enquiring for the defence of the supposed offender, and shows an inability in the accuser to support his charges. Unfortunately for M*". Rumsey, I trust we are now before an impartial Public, where Justice, unbiassed by party or undue …

Daniel Longstreth, the Rev^. Nathaniel Irvin and sundry other Gentlemen of Bucks county Pennsylvania. About the beginning of June 1785, I went to Philadelphia and shewed it to D^. Ewing, M^". Patterson and other respectable characters in the city, from whom I met with no discouragement. In June and July I formed models and in August laid them before Congress, as will appear on …

Henry, of Lancaster, to ta e his opinion of my drafts, who informed me, that I was not the first person who had thought of applying Steam to vessels; that he had conversed with M"" Andrew Ellicott as early as the year 1775, and that M^ Paine, author of Common Sense, had suggested the same thing to him in the winter of 1778 ; that some time after, he (M'" Henry) thinking more …

In Virginia I v;aited on his Excellfncy General Washington, who, in the course of conversation, inforsned m'fe, that the thought of applying steam was not original, that ?,['' Rumsey had mentioned Steam to him; but nothing tiiat passed in the conversation with General Washington had the least tendency to convey the idea of M'^' Rumsey's relying on Steam, and Genf lal …

W. part of the United States, at GfS each, J should exhibit a Steam Boat on the waters of Virginia, within nine months or forfeit and pay to the State of Virginia j£350. as appears by the following certificate: No. 6. I certify that John Fitch has left in my hands a bond payable to the Governor for the time being for £350. conditioned for exhibiting his steam Boat w^hen be …

Mr John Fitch of Bucks county, in Pennsylvania, called on me in his way to Richmond; he has gone through a variety of scenes in the back country, which has enabled him to collect a knowledge of a great part of the new states, on which and other helps he has made a map useful and entertaining; his ingenuity in this way strongly recommends him, but his genius is not confined to …

Fitch wants to raise money to make an experiment on Boats, the countenance that he has met with in Virginia he hopes will enable him to do it, he wishes also to make other experiments, and is willing to enter into engagements to apply a large proportion of the sales of his maps, his principle fund. I believe his passion for this improvement will be ample security for his …

I attended the session of the legislature about three weeks after receiving this letter, and on my petition for assistance to execute my plan, they made me the following report or nearly in these words (as may appear by examining their minutes) " However desirous it is for hberal and enlightened legislators to encourage useful arts, yet the state and condition of our finances …

1 have from the time of my first thought pursued my scheme with unremitted application, without a suspicion of an interruption, until the circulation of Mr. Rumsey's invidious Pamphlets, the contents of which I now find it necesssary to take under consideration, not doubting but that the design and tendency of that production will be a sufficient apology for the plainness with …

In his petitions to the several legislatures, he prayed for no exclusive right, for the use of Steam Boats ; neither did he make mention of Steam, to their committees ; or even suggest an idea of the kind ; as proof of which, I offer the following petition to the Assembly of Pennsylvania, the certificate from General Washington, accompanying it, and the certificate of Manuel …

Whereas your petitioner has formed a plan for facilitating the navigation of rapid rivers ; he therefore doth propose to construct a certain species of Boats of the burthen of ten tons which shafl sail or be propelled by the combined influence of certain mechanical powers thereto applied, the distance of between twenty-five and forty miles per day, against the current of a …

And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall pray. JAMES RUMSEY. The foregoing is a true copy of the original petition remaining on the files of the General Assembly and read in the house November 26, 1784. J. SHALLUS, Ast. Clk. N« 10. Philadelphia, 6th May, 178S. This may certify that I the subscriber was in Assembly for the year 17S4, and was appointed one of the committee …

If we examine the Petition, we ^liall find, that it confirms the General's idea of simplicity ; for Mr Rumsey says " it may be wrought at no greater expense than that of three hands," plainly indicating, that the expense of fire was not in contemplation ; and to put the matter out of all doubt, M' Eyre declares, " There was no idea held up to the committee that it was to be …

Nor would he have prayed to be invested with the exclusive privilege, to use boats, constructed on such different principles from those he really intended to pursue. In M' Rumsey's act passed in Peimsylvania, it is stiled " The exclusive right of constructing, navigating and employing boats built and to be built on his new invented mode," ^ and this new invented mode (viz …

And that M^ Rumsey did not think himself misunderstood, must certainly be granted ; because he made no objection to any of my petitions, as interfering with his Laws, which, agreeable to his own declarations, were founded on principles very different from a Steam-boat That he had no claim to Steam under his laws, is evident, from his confession in page 4, line 31, where he …

He says in page 3, line 1, " In the course of that fall and winter (of 1784) he made progress in some Steam-engines, and page 16 line 7, of Governor Johnsons letter, " I think in October 1785, you told me you relied on Steam for your first power, and wished me to promote your having some cylinders cast at my brother's and my works; the attempt did not succeed." Speaking of …

His application to Governor Johnson for castings for a Steamengine, is insinuated to have been in October or November 17S5, which I must deny, and refer to the Governor's own letter for the proof; being c*itident that no such application had been made to that gentleman by M' Kuffisey, previotis to my obtaining the letter of Recommendation to Governor Sraallwood, But even had …

On comparing Governor Johnson's letter, sent under my care to General Smallwood, dated November 25th, 1785, (a considerable time after I first explained to him my model and acquainted him of my intentions of pursuing the scheme) with his letter to M^ Rumsey, dated December the iSth. 1787, it must unavoidably call in question the memory or candour of the writer, the latter I …

Had Governor Johnson at the time he encouraged me, known the priority of claim to be fairly and justly in M'' Rumsey, had he been then in possession of his secret, or had he believed any title vested in M"" Rumsey, to the exclusive use of Steam, under the law of Maryland, so recently passed in his favor, the Governor certainly would not have requested a gentleman of General …

Rumsey, the Governor says, " In October'or November 1785, you told me you relied on Steam for your first power and wished me to promote your having some castings at my brother's and ray works: the attempt did not succeed -- I considered myself under an obligation to secrecy, 'till in the progress of making copper cylinders in Frederick Town, some time after, when I found that …

The tlun(]; \v;is impossible in its nature, that the cylinders and copper works should have been making, and a subject ot" general conversation, in Frederick-town, on 25th day of November 1785, the time I was obtaining my letter of introduction to Governor Sraallwood, in that very town : and must have heard it myself if Governor Johnson had been so disengenuous as to conceal …

Rumsey should have communicated this secret and requested his assistance in procuring castings immediately after my being with the Governor, as there was not time for it -- the engine being sworn as I have said to have been all compleated six days after that visit -- Then the following conclusion may be safely drawn, that Governor Johnson did at some subsequent day (so long …

Foy the member from Frederick-town must have told the tale, and laid in a claim for his countryman, -- but I repeat it again, that I was in that very Frederick-town on my way to the Assembly in the fall of 1785, every \vhere publishing my scheme, and no Engine was began there during that year, nor until March following, as will be fully shewn -- but before I come to ray proofs …

March 1785 : " It gives me much pleasure to find by your letter, that you are 7iot less sans^uiiic in your boat project, than when I saw you at Richmond, and that you have made such further discoveries as will render them more extensively useful than was at first expected'' -- but still it is plain that the General only alluded to the setting pole plan, for in his answer to …

It is reasonable to suppose, if Steam had been the dependable discovery, it would have been treated on m-ore largely, and have produced a more pointed answer ; the truth is, M^ Rumsey placed no dependance on Steam, until my plan came forward, and his own had failed ; conscious of the weakness of his claim, and the futility of his arguments to support it, he found that …

Page 13. line 14. of Charles Morrow's deposition, he says "About the first of December (1785) it appears to the said Charles that the whole of the machinery was ready to be fixed to the boat which came down to the falls of Shanandoah for experiment ; but the ice then commencing prevented it for the winter :" and line 28 of the same deposition he says, " In the spring of 1786 …

Rurasey's machinery, the greatest part, must consist of copper, or Brass such as cylinders, tubes, cocks and valves, together with curious wrought iron ; now 800 pounds (were it all made of Iron) could not cost less than double the sum. As this evidence is not brought to prove anything about M*". Rumsey's iniorily it is of no importance, and the absurdity it contains might …

To his inventive genius alone, I am indebted for the improvement in our mode oi creating steam; a thought which struck him above two years ago, the drawing having been shewn to several persons ; for we nen)er made a secret of any part of our works ; but a fear of departing from old established plans, made me fearful of adopting it, until I had found by his invention of …

Voight made a prior entry of his plans in tlie Prothonotary's ofTirr, in this city. If there should happen to beany similarity between them, it would be nothing surprising ; having the same load on both their minds, they both sought rehef ; and, as sick persons, lacking a doctor, chance might have led them to the same man ; and I had an undoubted right to apply every medicine …

Rumsey was in 1784, projecting a boat to work by steam, with a view of carrying it into actual execution, why did he not apply for the use of steam in his laws ? the reason is plain -- General Washington gives it for him, " it was an immatured idea and on which he thought he did not relyP I must therefore contend that these depositions, lose their weight, and the whole of his …

This is a very important part of the prevarication, and carrying the air of great plausibility, I must beg my Reader's close attention to it, as I shall prove it to be false. Page 3, he says, "I wrote to General Washington the 10th. March 1785, that I intended applying both powers (meaning steam as one) to build a boat after the model of one he saw, at Bath, &c. and as I could …

March, 1785, The letter asserted to have been written by M'' Buckley is incontrovertibly fixed between this date and the 1st. of December following, the time sworn to for corapleating of the steam engine ; therefore as M^ Rumsey quitted his setting poh' scheme and " pursued the perfecting his steam engine witli increased ardor (page 3) on the receipt of this letter ; it …

M"" Rumsey's third page will tell us -- In March 1785 he informed General Washington by letter that he intended applying steam to boats ; in December following, Messrs Barns and Morrow swear the boat was ready ; and his exhibiting this boat, he confesses was hurried on by the intelligence received from M^' Buckley ; consequently this work and this " Encreased ardor" was …

He knew at the time of inserting that quibbling account, that it would not bear the light, and therefore did not dare to give the date of M' Buckley's Letter, wrote at that "Critical minute," for M' Buckley's letter, would have shown this "Critical minute" was not in 1785, when they swear the steam-boat was ready, but in the summer of 1786, full twelve months after I had made …

This may certify that the paragraph that M"" James Rumsey has copied from my letter, which he applies to the injury of M"" John Fitch's character, was not told to 7ne by M' Fitch^ but by other persons, who for reasons were convinced of his priority of invention. And as to the time of writing the letter it was when M'' Samuel Brigs was making patterns for M"" Fitch's castings …

Rumsey's own writings and from his own testimonies, that the steam machinery, sworn to have been board in December^ 1785, could not have been ready until December 1786 ; and here I might safely rest my defence, and very properly quote Mr. Rumsey's own words (annexed to the certificate No. 18.) viz "Should he incline to a^^er^ hereafter, what credit he will deserve, has been so …

Fitch's assertion, by producing a boat with which steam had nothing to do ; these considerations compelled me to pursue the perfecting my steam engines willi increased ardor." Thus I have a proof from himself, that the certificates from General Washington, &c. (which procured his laws in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania) had 710 reference to steam consequently my laws for …

In his third page he says, " I wrote to General Washington 10th March 1785, that I intended applying both powers to a boat built after the model of the one he saw at Bath ; but the disadvantages before mentioned still remained and as I could gain truth only by successive experiments, incredible delays were produced -- and though my distresses were greatly increased thereby …

pery, ready to be put on board. -- A Steam-engine is a complex piece of work, and his subsequent transactions show that he found it so ; for it has taken him from the summer of 1786 (when he removed his works from Frederick-town) to the winter of 1787 to make them ready for a fair experiment. No person therefore can be brought to believe, that his first machinery could have …

Buckley's letter in his third page, from whence it is plainly to be gathered, that subsequent to his letter of lOth March 1785, to General Washington he meant to tell the world he was busily employed in private experiments on Steam Engines, and that although his first setting pole boat " Bore the pelting of ignorance and ill nature," yet he did not set about making a …

Buckley had sent notice that I charged him with stealing knowledge from me ; I would ask any man where I was to obtain the grounds for my charge 1 it could not be until I had begun my own engine, and made it every where public -- then it follows that my pretended complaint against him must have been subsequent to my own 1062 * EARLY STEAM v\orks and prior to the beginning of …

Barns went to Baltimore shortly a.ter to have some machinery cast ; and on his return from Baltimore was sent to Frederick-town in order to have some other things made (which could not consistently with Governor Johnson's letter bo earlier than the beginning ot November) and about the middle of November they were all finished viz. a holier^ two cylinders^ 'jmmps, pipes, Sfc …

At Baltimore four large cocks were bespoke by IVR Barns and tlie brass founder was told they were for the warm spi'ings of Virginia as will presently appear; Governor Johnson was entrusted with the scheme in confidence, and copper- works were carried on in Frederick-town with great secresy -- inasmuch that a citizen hearing it rumoured that they were for a Steam-engine …

Will any man of the least particle of NAVIGATION. 1063 understanding allow, that this private work shall be admitted to contain sufficient evidence to overset the public works of a fair and open artist? Surely not -- If it was once allowed, men would not be wanting to swear away from the real inventor, the most valuable discoveries in the world. All they would desire from' the …

M'" Rumsey has insinuated that I got my first thought from Captain Bedinger in Kentucky, who went there in ]784 -- nay he goes so far in one place^ as to say, he "Was told so" and in another that " Circumstances leave little room to doubt it." I have already declared that I have not been in Kentcky since the year 1781 : thus falls to the ground this part of his " Plagiarism" …

I have a fair right to suppose all these things, and M.^ Rumsey's giving me no opposition in my iipplication for exclusive laws, and even permitting his law to expire in Pennsylvania, without trying to derive any benefit from it, amount to positive proof that he had no serious thoughts about applying steam until it was too late. -- I promise him I shall not be so dilatory in …

However faulty my works might be, and however perfect his own, it would have no force in the determination of our title to the invention ; but argues a wish in him to gain an advantage on principles different from those on which our dispute must be ultimately decided in the opinion of the world. -- But even this position of M'' Rumsey's I will not allow j for on a comparison …

As to his drawing water in at the bottom, and pushing it out at the stern of a vessel, it is no new invention, but was long before presented to the NAVIGATION. 1065 Philosophical Society at Philadelphia. The thought came originally from France, of which I was acquainted before he bespoke any of his works for steam, and contended the right of using it with M'" Arthur Donaldson …

I am now trying an experiment, and the machine is nearly finished, to propel a boat not by expelling water, but air; and hope M^ Rumsey will allow that this is a mode peculiar to myself; but if he pleases he will deny it and assert that he had privately tried some experiments to ascertain its practicability -- I further hope that the publick will make great allowances for my …

If we have recourse to the enlightened nations of Europe, and more especially to England, whose laws respecting the title to property are (with httle and in some cases with no variation) in force amongst us, we shall fmd that their laws imply that no species of property ought to be held more sacred than the property of inventions ; for having their origin in the imagination of …

On these principles he who first invented and published the idea of a steam-boat, invests himself with a fair and just title to all steam-boats for a certain time, which in justice and policy government is bound to support. -- The state of Pensylvania hath given her sentiments on this head, and hath declared such to have been her explanation of the title to inventions by …

scene of his operations, and there I was soon confirmed in my suspicions that this plausible pamphlet was built on a falsehood, and that the patrons whom M^' Rumsey's address has procured him in this city, have committed themselves too unreservedly to a stranger. I now find the reason of his so long delaying to put in his claim -- it was that a period might elapse sufficient …

Then appeared before the subscriber, a justice for said state, & county, Frederick Tombough aged about thirty-nine years, who being sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth and sayeth, that some time in March 1786, he, this deponent was in partnership with Mathias Zimmers, now deceased, in a blacksmith's shop, adjoining said Zimmers' coppersmith shop -- and that …

This may certify, that I the subscriber, wife to the late ATathias Zimmers, deceased, have no accounts in my books so as to ascertain the time of Mr Rumsey's bespeaking his machinery for bis Steamboat, or as to ttje time of his taking it away -- but that Michael Baltzel turned works to finish the first machinery said Rumsey had of my husband according to the best of my …

The certificate of M"" Jonathan Morris, inn-keeper, which confirms the assertion of Governor Johnson's . letter, that the " Designed purpose of the cylinders was a subject of pretty general conversation " in Frederick-town, and therfefore had it been prior to my petition to the assembly of Maryland the middle of December, 1785, M^ Foy, the member of assembly resident in that …

This may certify that I the subscriber was towards the lattei end of. March 17S6, informed that M'^. Matthias Ziramers had begun some machinery for M^'. Rumsey's Steam-boat. Accordingly I called on M^'. Zimmers to see it, but was refused the sight of it, as it was then retained as M"^ Rumsey's secret -- but was informed that it was begun in the beginning of the same month …

Zimmers at the time he made the copper works for tha steam engine, shewing not only that the works were begun and finished in a shop next to M'^ Tombough ; but that no part of said machinery was begun before the spring, 1786. State of Maryland^ Baltimore County. On this twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, before me …

James Rumsey's machinery for the Steam-boat -- That he, this deponent, did work at the said James Rumsey's machinery -- That it was begun in the spring of the year 1786, and that no part of said machinery was begun before the time above mentioned by the said Zimmers, to the best of his knowledge -- and further that the said machinery was begun and finished in a shop adjoining …

Rumsey has shifted his dates, and has got two of his workmen to swear to it -- for Messrs. Barns and Morrow, if they had consulted their accounts, must have found that they had made a lapse of a whole year at least, and that the December, 1785, which they speak of must have been December, 1786. -- The circumstance of being stopped by the ice proves it to have been in the …

It appears the four large cocks for his steam pipes and works, were bespoke of Christopher Raborg, in Baltimore, by M^ Barns, who the better to conceal the " designed purpose of the cylinders," told him they were for the warm springs in Virginia, -- perhaps a little mental reservation might cover this deviation from fact. -- But M'. Raborg had no account thereof and could not …

Joseph Barnes did bespeak of me four brass cocks, which he said were for the warm springs y that being disappointed by my journeyman, I got them made by Mr. Charles Weir & Co. -- said cocks I do beheve were made in the fall of 1785, but have no charge made of them to ascertain the time with precision -- this I assert, as witness my hand, at Baltimore this 26th day of April …

This may certify, that I the subscriber with my partner Charles Wier, made four brass cocks for Mr. Christopher Raborg, and charged them on the partnership account -- said book has since been destroyed, but from some loose papers I found charged to M'. Raborg on the company's account, on the 29th March 1786, four brass cocks, which with other accounts I have drawn out into my …

Andrew Ellicott are long before him ; if on forming drafts without communicating them to the pubhc, he must acknowledge M^'. Henry's priority ; but if it is to be decided, as it certainly must, by the establislied mode of public declaration on record, my title is indisputable lacing, therefore, certain of the stability of my claim, founded on the modes established in justice …

B. the publication of James Rumsey alluded to in my preface, is not annexed as it is expected his friends will send them forward, I am preparing a full confutation, as I believe, to the pretensions of said Rumsey to the steam-boat, or boiler, which will shortly be pubhshed, until when I apprehend nothing will be done by any legislature to my prejudice. Jn" : Fitcb. POSTSCRIPT …

The sophistry in Mr Fitch's reply (should it contain what he informs me it does) is evidently calculated to make impressions, unfavourable of me, on the Public mind, and to wound the reputation of several respectable characters, I must therefore beg the Public's indulgence, to suspend their opinion for a few weeks, when I shall have it in my power to lay before them such …

N°. 19 is added to this publication • it is part of a letter wrote by the editor to his excellency General Washington, dated the lOth. of March 1785, which will show that the editor had fixed on a method of applying steam to prQpel a boat before M^ Fitch knew (from his own account of the matter) that steam had ever been made use of for any purpose whatever ; how then is it …

As to his advertisement I have fully proved that he made no experiment on his boat with Steam two years ago, his machinery being at that time in Frederick-town -- And his boat so far exceeding mine will also appear a wrong assertion as the greatest distance he pretends to have propelled his small boat per hour is four miles, and that appears to be mere ideal estimation. In my …

Fitch's Steam boat, which with great labour and perseverance he has at length compleated and has likewise been on board whtn the boat was worked against both wind and tide, with a very considerable degree of velocity by the force of Steam only. M-'. Fitclrs merit in constructing a good Steam-engine and applying it to so useful a purpose will no doubt meet with the …

I am now fully of opinion that Steam-boats may be made to answer valuable purposes in facilitating the internal navigation of the United States, and that M''. Fitch has great merit in applying a Steam-engine to so valuable a purpose and entitled to every encouragement from his country and countrymen. ANDREW ELLICOTT. Philadelphia^ December 13ih 1787, Copy of M^. Rumseijs …

After mentioning that kind of machine for propelling boats which the General had seen a model of, I proceed to say -- " I have taken the greatest pains to perfect another kind of boat, ^ipon the principles 1 mentioned to you at Richmond in November last, and have the pleasure to inform you that I have brought it to great perfection ; it is true, it will cost something more …

The principles of this boat I am very cautious not to explain, as it would be easily executed by an ingenious person. The plan I mean to pursue, is to put both the machines on board of boats* built on a large scale, and then, Sir, if you w^ould be kind enough to see them make actual performances, I should not doubt but the assemblies would allow me something handsome, which …

But let us take a view of this letter and 1 have no doubt but from the very wording of it, it will very clearly appear, that the utility of sleam (if that was what he meant to convey) " was with him at that time very doubtful and upon which he could have no kind of dependance: and holding up the idea of secresy so punctually, lest some artist, more ingenious than himself …