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

I had long before declared my intentions through Congress, and thereby invested myself with the indisputable title to my invention throughout the United States. Maryland and Virginia had virtually pledged the honor of their states to secure me in this right. -- Virginia has since suDDorted that honor by cheerfully passing a law for that purpose, and Maryland I doubt not, as …

The following certificates were omitted in their proper places. N^. 1 I do certify that I was returning with John Fitch from Neshamany meeting some time in April, 1785, as near as I can recollect the time, when a gentleman and his wife passed by us in a riding chair ; he immediately grew inattentive to what I said. Some time after he informed me that at that instant the first …

This is to certify, that M^" John Fitch called upon WilHam Henry, Esquire, my late husband in his life time, about two years and a half since, when M"" Fitch shewed to him dra/ts and a model of a machine how to propel a boat through the water ; And further, that I have frequently heard M"" Henry applying steam as a mean to urge boats through the water by force of it, and that …

This may Certify that on the twelfth instant we the Subscribers Went in Mr John Fitch's Steam Boat, from this city to the city of Burlington twenty miles in the space of three hours and ten minutes, there being upwards of thirty passengers on Board, and that said Boat was propelled thro' the water entirely by the force of Stearn; and from our own observations we are of opinion …

This may certify that I the Subscriber was one of the Committee appointed in March 1786 by the General Assembly of this state, on the petitions of John Fitch and Arthur Donaldson respecting Iheir several schemes for the Improvement of navigation by means of Steam Engines, When M^. Donaldson produced his plan to the Committee for drawing Water in at, or near the Bottom and …

imd sworn dwelling in the City of Philladelphla in the said Commonwealth Do hereby Certify and attest unto all whom it floth or may Concern That the aforegoing wTitings from N° 1, to 6 Do Contain just and true Copies of Original Certificates to me the said notary bona fide produced by John Fitch in the said Certificates named, and that I have Carefully Compared the said Copies …

John Smilee (present) member of the Honr'''!^ the supreme Executive Council for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, David Redick, Vice President of the S. E. Coimci! aforesaid. James Hutchinson one of the Secretaries, of the Philosophical Society. Timothy Matlack (late) Secretary to the S. E. Council aforesaid. Charles Pete (late) member of Congress for the Commonwealth …

That he hath this niorning seen with surprise in the public papers, that a petition has been presented to your honorable body by James Rumsey praying you to grant him an exclusive right to the use of Steam boats, the very right which by special Act of Assembly passsed the 28'^ of March 17S7, is vested in your petitioner, who is confident he need do no more than remind the …

John Fitch. Philad"^ September 6th ]788. A true copy from the original read September 6. 1788. J. Shallus Asst. Clk. of the General Assembly. To the Honorable the House of Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania The petition of Henry Voight of the city of Phiadelphia, humbly sheweth. That your petitioner has long turned his attention to improvements …

Fitch determined to take it out and introduce a boiler more suited to the purpose accordingly preparations were made for a Pipe boiler which is now executed and the boat working with it exactly on the principles and form exhibited to M'' Matlack and M'" Nacarrow -- Your petitioner hearing that a M^ Rumsey was to come to town and that he pretended to the exclusive right to a …

The committee to whom was referred the petition of James Rumsey, John Fitch and Henry Voight beg leave to report -- That having examined the said petitions and with great attention heard the Parties in support of their Respective claims are unanimously of opinion that the law which grants to Jolm Fitch an exclusive Right to all Boats propelled by Fire and Steam, hath not only …

And however improper so extensive a Law may be in its principles yet considering that upon a faith of the said Law several Citizens have sperit much labour and money for which they are not yet reimbursed -- and notwithstanding the Legislature may have a right to Repeal Laws which convey grants that are highly injurious to the General Welfare yet the resuming such Legislative …

There is one part of the pamphlet which may require a little explaining as they hinge much and their whole dependance of the Pipe Boiler rests on it where speaking of M^. Voight and the Pipe Boiler Page 14 I say that I am indebted to him alone for the improvement yet it cannot be denied but I laid a Drawing of a Pipe Boiler before the Philosophical Society many months before …

I also pray you Sir as soon as this shall come to hand to let me have information by Post otherwise for fear of miscarriage in a reasonable time I shall have to be at the expense and trouble of forwarding another Package to you which will ever lay me under the obligation of subscribing myself your most devoted much obliged and very humble Servant John Fitch. To the Honourable …

The report read September 6 on the petition of John Fitch was read the second time as follows, viz. The committee on the petition of John Fitch, report That they have received his model of an invention for moving a boat by means of a steam-engine, of which they entertain a favorable opinion. That the said Fitch represents to the committee, that he has begun a boat for …

And on the question will the house adopt the same report 1 It was carried in the negative Extract from the minutes J. Shallus Ass* Clerk. Your Committee on the Petition of John Fitch report. That they have viewed his boat, which he proposes to propel against the Stream by the agency of Steam, and altho' the apparatus necessary to the same is not yet so compleat as to afford …

Report That having examined the certificates and other papers presented to your Committee by the said John Fitch, they are of Opinion that in order to encourage a further Improvement in so useful an Art ; a Bill be brought in for the purpose of granting to the said John Fitch an exclusive right of Navigating boats by the force of Steam or Fire for a certain time, agreeable to …

That the states of New Jersey and Delaware have patronised his scheem so far as to give him an exclusive right for said boats for the term of fourteen years and the state of Pennsylvania have passed a law for pubhc consideration similar thereto -- That your petitioner has invented a method of rowing boats by oars worked by cranks which was never heretofore used which applies …

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 …

Endorsed, James Rumsey' s Petition to the State of JVew York NAVIGATION. 1089 GEN^. WASHINGTON'S OPINION OF M^. RUMSEY'S I'MVENTION. I have seen the model of M^" Rumsey's Boats, Constructed to work against Stream examined the powers, upon which it acts ; been eye witness to an actual experiment in Running water of some rapidity ; and give it as my opinion (altho I had little …

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 …

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 …

I do hereby "^ertify that a Bill " giving unto James Rumsey his heirs and assigns the sole and exclusive Right of constructing navigating and employing Boats after his new invented model for the term of Ten years to be computed from the first day of January next" has passed the House of Delegates of this state with this Proviso " that the exclusive right therein granted may at …

a true Copy of a certificate in his possession subscribed with the name of Jolin Tyler speaker of the House of Delegates of Virginia, that the Deponent knows the Hand writing and subscribing of the said John Tyler and does verily believe'his name subscribed to the said Certificate to be of the Hand writing of the said John Tyler -- That the said Certificate was delivered to …

That your Petitioner hath invented a mode of raising Water in great Quantities to any Height from below or above the surface of the Earth by means of Steam acting upon two pistons at the same time, whereby mines may be drained, Cities or farming Grounds be watered, and mills supplied with a constant Stream at an expence far less than by any mode hitherto used or invented, a …

same time, irt the manner and upon the principles by him invente«l & defmed in the said Draft Explanation ami Specification. And your Petitioner &.c^ James Rumsey, By Joseph Barns. his attorney. Endorsed, No. 52. 1788 A petition of James Rumsey by Joseph Barnes his attorne} praying an exclusive Right of making constructing and using machines for raising water (by means of …

That they have examined the Petitions of the said James Rumsey and John Fitch whh the papers and affidavits accompanying the same and are of opinion that the said James Rumsey hath by actual experiment ascertained the practicability of propelling boats by the agency of Steam in a mode and on principles different from those heretofore used by the said John Fitch, but that the …

by his new invented method of a Pipe Boiler, and further that .they have examined tlie Petition of John Stevens and the Draughts accompanying the same and are of Opinion that the method proposed by him for propelling boats by steam does not materially differ in its principles from the mode proposed by James Rumsey and that he stands fh the same situation with respect to John …

Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to represent that by a law passed in the year 1787, your honourable Legislature vested in your Petitioner the exclusive Right for a term of years of propelling Vessels through the Water by the agency of Steam, which exclusive Right hath also been granted him in the States of New Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware, to whose several Legislatures …

Your Petitioner hath successfully opposed the said Rumsey in his applications to the said Assemblies, and hath hitherto preserved his Rights inviolate, the report of the Committee of Seven leading Members of the honorable Assembly of Pennsylvania, after a debate of five days, supported on the side of M'". Rumsey by an eminent Attorney at Law, your Petitioner begs leave to …

Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays, that in case a Petition should be presented by the said attorney, which may interfere wdth your Petitioner's Rights, either in the Steam Boat or the Pipe ]'jo;ler, so long in use in your Petitioners Boat on the River J3e!aware and a Machine necessary for the completion of that design for which your Law was given, he humbly prays to be …

Under the said confidence a number of Gentlemen have advanced money to a very considerable amount hoping to benefit themselves as well as their Country thereby. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that the grant made to him, may not be permitted to be violated or invaded by a subsequent pretender, and considering the very great and expensive journey, and my inabilities to …

That your petitioner has been several years employed, with unremitted attention, and at a great expense, in inventing, and bringing to perfection, sundry machines and engines ; namely, one for propelling boats on the vrater, by the power of steam, which has been already accomplished in experiments, on a boat of about six tons burthen ; another machine, constructed on similar …

Your petitioner deems it unnecessary, in this stage of his application to your honorable body, to enter into a detail of the r>ature and principles of the improvements, to which his present petition relates : He therefore takes the liberty of referring to the printed papers, herewith presented, for farther information on the subject, and he flatters himself, that on mature …

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 …

"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 …

"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 …

And whereas it appears to the satisfaction of your committee, from the testimony produced to them, that the said Rumsey's representation is just, and that he is the original author of the invention mentioned in the said act. -- Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee. That the act passed at the last session of the general Assembly, intituled " An act granting to …

Whereas James Rurasey, of Berkeley county, in Virginia, hath represented to this House, that he hath invented, or improved divers engines, machines, and devices, hereinafter particularly mentioned, upon principles and constructions not before used, and by actual experiments, hath demonstrated the practicability and utility thereof, and hath in the office of plans of the said …

Rumsey''s Improvement Upon Savery's Machine, or steam engine, whereby water may be raised in great quantities to any reasonable height, for the turning of mills, or for agricultural or other purposes. Rumsey's Improvement Upon Doctor Barker's Mill, a mode by which millstones and other machinery, requiring a circular or retrograde motion, may be turned by or worked with a …

U is therefore hereby enacted^ by the and by the authority of the same, that from and after the passing of this act, the said James Rumsey his executors, administrators and assigns, shall have the sole and exclusive right, liberty and privilege within the state, of making, using and vending to others, the saul Boiler for generating steam, so as aforesaid described, and called …

^nd it is hereby further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that no person or persons whomsoever, shall make, use, or vend to others to be ueed, any or either of the inventions or improvements so as aforesaid described or defined in this act, or in the plans or explanations filed of record in the said office, and hereby referred unto ; or any engine, machine or device …

And in the execution to be issued upon any judgment obtained in pursuance of this act, a clause shall be inserted, commanding the sheriff or other proper officer to deliver the said engine, device or machine, to the plaintiff if it can be conveniently removed ; but if not, that then and in such a case, the said sheriff, or other proper officer, shall cause the same to be …

That your Petitioner has bestowed a great deal of Time and Thought towards perfecting a Machine for propelling a Vessel through the Water by means of Steam. That he lias at length brought his Invention to that degree of perfection. That as he conceives little or no further Improvement can be made on it -- That to the best of his Knowledge & Belief his Scheme is altogether new …

That your Petitioner has made an exact Draught of the different Parts of his machines, which w^ith an Explanation Thereof he is ready to exhibit, provided that after the Exhibition Thereof, no one be suffered to lay claim to any Invention therein described unless he shall have before exhibited a draught or model Thereof to your honorable body -- and your petitioner therefore …

I went first to Albany, from thence to Schenectada, about Sixteen miles ; this has been a very considerable place of trade, but is now falling to decay : It was supported by the Indian traders ; but this business is so arrested by traders far in the. country, that very little of it reached so far down : it Stands upon the Mohawk river, about 9 miles above the Falls, called the …

Most of the land on each Side of the Mohawk river, is a rich flat highly cultivated with every species of grain, the land on each side the flats, rising in agreeable Slopes ; this, added to the view of a fme river passing through the whole, gives the beholder the most pleasing Sensations imaginable. I passed next through Whitestown. It would appear to you, my friend, on …

After passing Clinton, there are no inhabitants upon the road, until you reach Oneida, an Indian town, the first of the Six Nations; it contains about Five hundred and fifty inhabitants ; here I slept, and found the natives very friendly. The next day I Avent on to Onondaga, leaving the Oneida lake on the right, and the Onondaga lake on the left, each a few miles distant. I …

The road is tolerable for a new country ; the land excellent, and very heavy timbered. There are but three houses upon this road. This lake is from about thirty five to forty miles along, about two miles wide, and abounds with Salmon, bass, catfish, eels and many other kinds of fish. This lake empties itself into what is called Three Rivers, joining the waters of the Oneida …

There is a road from the Friends' Settlement nearly completed, across the country to Genesee river, forty-five miles. I went from Geneva to Canadaqua, sixteen miles, crossing the outlet of Canadaqua lake, just as I entered the town. This is a settlement made by Mr Phelps, and promises to be a very flourishing one ; there are now about thirty houses situated on a pleasant slope …

Albany to Schenectada, sixteen miles -- the Little Falls, on the Mohawk river, two miles -- from the head of the Mohawk to Wood creek, one mile -- Oswego Falls, two miles -- Genesee falls, two miles. Thus you see there is only twenty-three miles to cut and lock, in order to carry commerce by water, through an extent of country, capable of maintaining several millions of …

All that reason can ask, may be obtained by the industrious hand, the op.ly dano;er to be feared is, that luxuries will flow too cheap. After I had reached the Genesee river, curiosity led me on to Niagara, ninety mi!es -- not one house or white man the whole way. The only direction I had was an Indian path, which sometimes was doubtful. The first day I rode fifty miles …

supposed we came upon our private business &<= -- he sent us to the coujuKindant who entered our names, and offered us a pass to go ovt-r to the British side, which we accepted. Quite fatigued we were hnppy to find a tavern, and something to eat ; a few hours sleep brought me again to myself. Tliis fort is now garrisoned by the 5^i» regiment, commanded formerly by Earl …

A M^ Johnson, some relation of the famous Sir John Johnson, interpreter to the Indians was also present ; and I have no doubt remaining but they elTaced every favourable impression made on their minds by presents from Congress. I see enough to convince me of the absurdity of our endeavours to hold the Savages by presents, while the British are situated at Detroit, Niagara, &« …

They cannot keep together a great while, and I expect they will quit all this part of the country, and retire over the lakes Ontario and Erie. Their whole number is about 6000, of which 1000 are warriors -- how contemptible compared with their former greatness ! The leading men of these Six Nations, or what they call Chiefs, were on the road with me going to Buffalo Creek, to …

B. told me that the only way to make a peace with the Indians was to apply to Lord Dorchester, or the commander in chief at Quebeck, and let him appoint some of the Commanders of the 1110 PAPERS RELATING TO garrisons, say Detroit, Niagara, &'^, to meet on the part of the ])ritish, to draw a line that shall be deemed right and reasonable between the Americans and Indians, and …

Kirkland's notes ; but whenever the service is over, they wrap themselves in their blankets, and either stand like cattle on the sunny side of a house, or lie before a fire. This is their mode of passing life : even the bold energy of their forefathers, which was conspicuous in the chace, is unstrung in their descendants, and instead of sliding to the grave " like a shock of …

The lands generally known by the name of the Genesee tract, are situated in the back parts of the state of New- York and contain upwards of 2,000,000 of acres, mostly good arable land, forming nearly an oblong square of 80 miles in length from south to north, and 42 miles wide from east to west. These lands were granted to Messrs. Gorham and Phelps, the original purchasers …

The superior quality of the timber, and the advantages of easy cultivation, in consequence of being generally free from underwood. 3. The abundance of grass for cattle in the woods, and on the extensive meadow grounds upon the lakes and rivers. 4. The vast quantities of the sugar maple-tree, in every part of the tract. .5. The great variety of other fine timber, such as oak …

The uncommon abundance of very fine fish, with which the lakes and rivers, abound ; among which are to be found excellent salmon of tw'O different kinds, salmon-trout, of a very large size, white and yellow perch, siieep-heads, pike, succors, and eels of a very large size, with a variety of other fish in their different seasons. 10. The excellence of the climate in that region …

The vast advantages derived from the navigable lakes, river, and creeks, which intersect and run through every part of this tract of country, affording a water communication from the northern parts of the grant by the Genesee river one way, orby the Seneca river another way into the great lake Ontario, and from thence by Cataraqui,to Quebec, orby the said Seneca riyer,the …

But above all, the uncommon benefits these lands derive from the vicinity to the thick settled countries in New-York and New-England governments on the one hand, and Northumberland county in Pennsylvania on the other, from all which quarters, from the great advantages that are held out, there must be an overflow of emigrants every year, until these lands are fully settled …

As a proof the estimation in which the Genesee lands are held by the neighbouring inhabitants, it is only necessary to slate the following facts, relative to the population soil, and produce Sc'-. which have been extracted from letters and public documents, upon which the utmost reliance can be placed The information is in these words: "There are already settled in this …

two years ago there was not a single person on the whole of the Genesee lands. This winter there is to be a great addition to the number. The return made by the deputy-marshal of New-York, shews not only the precise number of inhabitants that have made settlements in these lands, but also the different townships upon residence. Of this return the following is an exact copy. Ji …

In two years hence, the Gencseo lands may be estimated to contain 16,000. -- Edit. PAPERS RELATING TO two years ago there was not a single person on the whole of the Genesee lands. This winter there is to be a great addition to the number. The return made by the deputy-marshal of New-York, shews not only the precise number of inhabitants that have made settlements in these …

5th and 6th, 3 and 4 In the (jth range, No. 30 ditto ditto In the 7th range, No. 6 ditto ditto West of Genesee river, Indian lands opposite to No. 5, 8 & 9 in the 7th range, Total, 1047* • By advices received in March 1793 the inhabitants had increased to 7000, and settlers were daily going on the lands. In two years hence, the Geneseo lands may be estimated to contain 15,000 …

In the neighborhood of these villages there is a district of country bounded by the Pennsylvania line on the south and the heads of the Seneca and Cayuga lakes on the north, and running east from the Genesee southern boundary to Owega creek, in which there are near 600 families settled. Between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and particularly to the eastward of the latter, the …

•An idea of the rapid population may be formed, from a detail of the towns and villages which have been built within the last three years, and which are now in a state of progressive increase, namely 1. The town of Cannandarqua, at the north end of the lake of that name, lying within the Genesee grant, and intended to be the head town of the country of Ontario, 9!* 2. The …

" It is in contemplation at present to make a water communication between the Susquehanhah and the Schuylkill,* which if eri'ected, will lay open the market of Philadelphia for the reception of the produce of all the Genesee country. ■ And as the soil and climate are supposed to be the best in the world for raising large and productive crops of hemp, flax, Indian corn, wheat …

" No country in the world is better adapted for raising cattle than the Genesee grant. One of the first settlers in that country asserts that he can every season cut wild grass, on his own farm in the Genesee flats sufficient to maintain 2000 head of cattle through the winter ; and that such hay, with rushes and vegetables 6. Newtown, a beautiful village on the eastern forks …

" As the distance from Philadelphia (between which and the Genesee lands a road was to be completed in 1791) is somewhat less by land than two hundred miles, there can be no difficulty in driving fat cattle and hogs to that market for sale: as they can transport themselves at a very small expence, and as the demand for provision increases every year, and a liberal price is …

It is said that there are many wild horses upon the tract, which is an additional proof of there being winter food in the flat lands and in the forests." The farming lands exhibit a variety of different soils adapted to every species of cultivation. The bottoms between the rising grounds being universally rich, and the soil deep in every part of the tract, may be turned …

Indeed the woods of America furnish much resource independent of agriculture not only in the article of pot and pearl ashes, and in the sugar extracted from the sap of the maple ; but also in furs and skins, from the woods surrounding the farm and such articles always produce ready money to the new settler, to assist him in his agricultural pursuits. On the Genesee lands, iron …

" There is likewise a natural sulphur spring in the tract. " The present setlers have already got a fine stock of cattle and hogs, and find that they thrive and increase very fast : but as yet, there are few sheep, although, it is supposed, they would succeed well on the hills, after the country is more fully peopled. Several genteel families are preparing to settle on the …

" The market for grain and provision raised in the Genesee country will be on the spot for some time to come, and the constant influx of setlers, who may be expected, until the whole of these lands are occupied, will, at least for a time, consume all the surplus produce ; afterwards the city of Philadelphia will probably be the best market ; and while the country is in the …

And already there are actually such merchants established in the Genesee country, at the county town of Canandraqua, at the north end of the lake of that name, where all kind of produce is bought and sold by the merchants already settled there. Wheat is at present, 1791, one dollar per bushel (4s 6d sterling;) Indian corn, 2s 6d, ditto; salt, from the Onondago works, 60 miles …

It has been already mentioned, that the climate of this country is reckoned more mild in Winter, and less sultry in the summer, than the same latitudes nearer the atlantic ocean ; and as agriculture advances, and the country becomes more open, the climate will improve. At present it is extremely healthy, and none of those periodical disorders are known among the settlers which …

This period, when the snows are upon the ground, is also the season of festivity with the American farmers, as it affords an easy and expeditious, as well as a cheap mode of travelling, and of paying visits to one another, and in holding a friendly intercourse with their relations at a distance, in which they appear to have more real enjoyment than the same class of people in …

During this season the country is delightfully beautiful, with' the whole fruit trees in bloom, as well as every shrub or vine which bears any wild fruit in the woods. In June the weather begins to grow warm. In July and August it is occasionally sultry, with frequent thunder showers, which are succeeded immediately by fine serene weather, without the intervention of any …

The Genesee country, making a part of the new county of Ontario, in the state of New-York, is consequently under the government of the congress of the United States, which government is perfectly free. Every inhabitant is eligible to be chosen a meiiaber of the legislative body, or to be appointed a public magistrate. Religious opinions exclude no man from any public situation …

But above all the extended society of white inhabitants, amounting to upwards of 6000 persons,! already established hi this new country, half of whom may be presumed able to bear arms, gives the most perfect security to the settlers, and the more especially as their numbers will daily increase. With this increase will also be introduce'd, in a greater degree every year, public …

county town of Cannandarqua, of the spring or summer 1791. To these improvements in civil society are added, courts of justice, and public magistrates ; and judges for the new county of Ontario ; where court-houses, and other public buildings, are either erected or in progress, so as to extend to the inhabitants the same civil and political privileges, in well-executed laws …

In addition to what has been already said concerning the maplesugar, it may here be remarked that no cultivation is necessary ; that no contingency, such as hurricanes or bad seasons, can disturb the process ; that neither the heavy expense of mills, engines, machinery, or a system of planting, which occupies negroes for the whole of the season, is necessary at all to make the …

jei6- 0-0 2. Two iron ladles, with bowls of a gallon, to shift the sap from one kettle to another, 1- 5-0 3. Four screw augers, ^ to | inch, for boring the trees, 0- 6-0 4. Ten buckets with covers, of three gallons each for collecting the sap, and yokes for carrying two between the shoulders, 2-10-0 5. Sixteen hundred wooden troughs, of three gallons each, to receive the sap …

Upon the top of this cistern there should be a linen strainer fixed, through which the sap brought in the buckets should pass. 7. A shed and walls for the fire places, to be erected of stone or clay (of both which there are plenty in the country) of sufficient length for the 16 boilers ; which shed should be covered so as to keep out the weather, 10-10-0 8. Sugar moulds may be …

If, however, a large work were to be established, the expence would probably be less in proportion, than upon the scale of four men engaged in this pursuit. Season for tapping. -- By trials in February each year, it will be discovered when the maple-tree ought to be bored, for the ]124 PAPERS RELATING TO purpose of extracting the syrup or sap ; as in that month, sometimes …

At first, the auger should go no deeper into the tree than | of an inch, and to be deepened afterwards to the extent of two inches and a half, as the manner of the sap's running may render necessary. -- The hole to be made in a slanting or descending position, that the sap may run freely in frosty weather. -- In these holes there should be fixed spouts to project from the tree …

Boiling the sap. -- A smart fire should be kept up while the sap is boiling, and a table spoonful of slacked lime put into each 15 gallon kettle, while the sap is warming, and before it boils, to raise the scum, and give the sugar a grain. When the scum rises, it should be skimmed off. When the liquor is reduced one half, discharge it into the one half of the kettles …

This should be carefully attended to when the sugar is graining. The mature state of the boiling is known by taking a little of the syrup from the boiling stick, and trying if it ropes or draws into a thread between the finger and thumb ; then it should be put into a tub or cooler, and stirred incessantly until the grain can be felt, when it is in a fit state to be poured into …

It is not yet ascertained from experience, how long a tree may be tapped with success. -- But there are instances among old settlers on the North river of trees being tapped for 50 years, and still continue to yield their sap in season, the same as new trees ; and it is even asserted by persons of some experience, that these trees become more valuable, yielding a sap of a …

I with pleasure comply with your request ; and will endeavour to furnish you with such information relative to the soil, climate, situation, and present state of the Genesee Country, as may enable you to judge of the propriety of making it the place of your future residence. From the following plain statement of facts, which have fallen within the sphere of ray own …

The year previous to the formation of this county, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, Esqrs. of New England, purchased from the State, and from the Seneca Indians, their right to that part of the country which lies between the meridian line above mentioned and the Genesee River; including, on the northernmost part of the country, a tract extending twelve miles west of the …

The distance from Albany, New- York, Philadelphia or Baltimore, does not exceed in a direct course, one hundred and eighty miles, and, by the roads now in use, not much above two hundred miles ; and to the Federal City the distance is about two hundred and sixty five miles: and the improvement of the intermediate country will not only facilitate the travelling, but by opening …

By the census taken in 1790, it appears that there were only nine hundred and sixty souls, including all travellers and surveyors, with their attendants, who happened at that time to be within the bounds of the country. That you may form some idea of the progress of improvements in this country since that period, I shall give you an account of the journey of a gentleman into …

After leaving Whitestown we found only " a few straggling huts scattered along the path at the distance of " from ten to twenty miles, and they affording nothing but the " convenience of fire and a kind of shelter from the snow. On " the evening of the third day's journey from Whitestown we " were very agreeably surprized to find ourselves on the east side " of the Seneca …

The Seneca Lake, on which " Geneva is situated, is forty-four miles long by four to six wide ; " and to find it navigable at this season was a sight as pleasing as " unexpected. It appeared that the inhabitants of this deligh^^fui " country would, by the slight covering of snow then on the " ground, have all the convenience of a northern winter, and, by " the waters being free …

The country is beautifully diversified with hill and " dale, and, in many places, we found openings of two and three " hundred acres, free from all timber and even bushes, which, on " our examining, proved to be of a rich, deep soil. It seemed " that, by only inclosing with one of these openings a propor- " tionable quantity of timbered land, an inclosure might be made " …

Even in this state of nature, the county of Ontario " shows every sign of future respectability. No man has put the " plough in the ground without being amply repaid : and, through " the mildness of the winter, the cattle brought into the country " the year before, are thriving well on very slender provision for " their subsistance. The clearing of land for spring crops is …

This gentleman having landed in Baltimore, was, at an early period, impressed with the idea that this new country, situated immediately north of the centre of Pennsylvania and Maryland, must reap great advantages from opening a communication across the Alleghany Mountains ; and his first attempt at improving the Genesee Country was to examine, in person, the possibility of …

It appeared by the map of the adjacent country that a direct road across the mountains would shorten the distance of the Genesee Country from the settlttaents in Pennsylvania at least one hundred miles, and the advantages attending the opening of this communication were so obvious, that, difficult as the undertaking was, he determined, without delay to try to effect it. Ry the …

The opening of this road from Pennsylvania over a chain of mountains before reckoned impassable, excited the curiosity of the inhabitants in the adjacent country, and many were tempted to explore the Genesee lands, that, previous to this, had scarcely ever given them a thought. The idea of the immense distance was at once destroyed. At this early period, however, it was only …

In this place, then the centre of a wilderness of nine hundred thousand acres, the town of Bath was laid out ; and before the end of the season not less than fifteen families were resident in the village. Early in the season, a saw-mill had been finished ; and previous to the setting in of the winter, a grist-mill with a saw-mill nearer the town, were in great forwardness. In …

This year several settlements where begun on the Indian line, and one was commenced under the direction of a Mr. Bartles, from the Jerseys, on the outlet of Mud Lake, one of the branches of the Conhocton. Towards the end of summer a set of merchant mills were in considerable forwardness, and lots laid out for a village, called Frederick's Town, alter the name of the founder …

On an enumeration being taken of the inhabitants in the town of Bath, and the district eight miles round it, by the assessors, there were found above eight hundred souls ; also, within the same distance, two schools, one grist-mill, and five saw-mills. Nearly all the settlements had increased in a similar pit)portion ; the number of emigrants each year was supposed to be not …

Gray in Township No. 4, seventh range, who moved from Pennsylvania with a respectable part of his former })arishoners, and a Jersey settlement on the head of the Canascraga Creek ; both of these exhibit instances of industry and enterprize, rare as uncommon. The ensuing season, on the organization of tlie militia of the county of Steuben, this Jersey settlement turned out a …

This year a printing-office was established in the town of Bath, and a newspaper printed, entitled, "The Bath Gazette." The county of Ontario having several years the start in settlement, and the advantage of many Indian clearings of great extent, had already the comfortable appearance of an old settled country: the old Indian orchards had been dressed up, and the fruit …

At the south termination of the street a handsome country house was begun, and finished the year following; and in the corner of the square, a large and convenient house, for a tavern and hotel besides, many other large and well finished houses. About this time a sloop of forty tons, burden, was put on the stocks, intended, when finished, to run as a packet between Geneva and …

This season a printing office was established at Geneva, and a weekly gazette published, supported by eight hundred subscribers, who, before six months, increased to one thousand. Of the settlements begun this season, one was sixteen miles south from Genevaj on the outlet of the Crooked Lake, which here empties into the Seneca ;' a village, called Hopetown, was laid out on a …

These mills are intended as a depository for all grain taken in this part of the country, in payment for lands sold, where it can either be manufactured into flour, or distilled, as may answer best for sale to the new-comers^ or for exports to Canada or Albany. One floor of the mills will be solely appropriated for the use of the merchants residing in the adjacent country, who …

Mud Creek affords good navigation for boats of four or five tons at least, twenty miles ; and the navigation downwards for boats of ten tons, is good to Schenectady sixteen miles only from Albany. The settlements in this part of the country derive great advantage from the Western canals, which the State has patronized at much expense. On the bank of Mud Creek, near the …

Few or none, even on the sea coast, exceed it for spaciousness and beauty. The exteat of the bay, from north to south, is about six or seven miles, and from east to west, from two to four miles. The grounds around the bay rise considerably high, and the entrance is not above half a mile over. So completely is it protected from the wind, that when the lake is agitated with a …

The first view of this place, after passing through a timbered country twenty-eight miles, strikes the eye of the beholder as one of the most magnificent landscapes human fancy can picture, and the beauty of the scene is not unfrequently heightened by the appearance of large vessels navigating the lake. At the sight of these immense bodies of water, the mind of a reflecting …

They said they had still one thousand five hundred miles to sail. What an extensive navigation ! You will find the Genesee Country abounding with situations both valuable to the farmer and amusing to the gentleman and man of leisure : but amongst the variety it affords, they must all yield to Sodus ; for fishing, fowling, sailing or hunting, this latter place stands unrivalled …

The lands about Sodus are a black sandy loam, very deep : a soil not very common in this country, but of an excellent quality for every species of cultivation : it aflbrds the finest gardens.f In one of the creeks running into the bay there was, some time ao-o, discovered a fine body of chocolate marble, which has been found to bear a good polish, and the blocks suffieiently …

The only part of the Genesee country, that seemed, tmtii now to have escaped the general improvement, was that contiguous ^o the Genesee River, below Hartford or Canawagas : a set of ver^ good mills, however, had been built at the falls, and some settlers were to be found in that neighbourhood, on the fertile plains bj the side of Ihe river : but the idea of exposure to Indian …

The country had already been so far improved, that the inhabitants lived m comfort, and even luxury ; regular weekly markets had been established in Geneva, Canadarqua, and Bath ; and were welJ supplied with meat of all kinds. The flour from our mills was inferior to none on the continent, and the merchants' stores were regularly supplied. The United States had established a …

By this generous and uncommon exertion, and by some other contributions, the State Commissioner was enabled to complete this road of near one hundred miles, opening it sixty-four feet wide, and paving with logs and gravel, the moist parts of the low country through which it was carried. Hence the road from Fort Schuyler, on the Mohawk River, to Genesee, from being, in the …

A wilderness changed, in so few years, to the comfortable residence of a numerous body of industrious people, who enjoy the comforts and conveniences of life in a degree superior to most parts of the United States, affords matter of curiosity to the intelligent traveller, and many respectable characters undertake the journey from no other motive. To them, therefore, it must be …

So respectable are these estabUshments in this western country, that any one of them would be sufficient to give a stranger a high opinion of its progressive state : but the traveller of observation cannot fail to be highly gratified to find, on passing the counties of Ontario and Steuben, at least twenty respectable and distinct settlements, each under the direction of some …

The navigation of the river is here intercepted by four successive magnificent falls, the highest of them ninety six feet : around these falls a carrymg place was made, and the inhabitants on the Genesee River now receive their salt from the Onondaga salt works, and their stores from Albany, with a very trifling land carriage compared with what they were necessitated to …

Should the inhabitants of the immense flats on the Genesee River and the adjacent country turn their attention to the cultivation of hemp, and the manufacturing of it into cordage, which may be sent, with very trifling land carriage, either to Quebec or Ballimore, both of which are advantageous markets, it is not possible to calculate what may hereafter be the value of this …

The schools are far from being indifferent, and even the foundations of public libraries are already laid. The gentleman fond of a rural life, or the amusements of the field, may here o-ratify himself ; he may find a situation for a country-seat, that will please the most romantic fancy : the excellence of the climate and soil will afford him every certainty of a great return …

Late frosts in the spring, and early ones in the fall, are nncommon, and there is scarcely an instance of the fruit or corn suffering by them. The peach trees, the great test of a climate free from severe and late spring frosts, come to great perfection ; in one orchard, at an old Indian town near Geneva, the occupier of the farm sold, last year, to a neighboring distillery …

The frosts have never been so severe as to stop the operation of the mills, provided very trifling precaution is used. So remarkable was this circumsiance in 1797, that a number of sleds came from Pensylvania to the Bath mills, a distance of seventy miles. Except in shallow places the lakes never freeze : and the navigation of the Seneca Lake has not been impeded since the …

The town of Bath has, this season, increased considerably, and much improvement has been made on the different roads leading to it. The opening a market to Baltimore for our lumber and fat cattle, has also raised a spirit amongst the inhabitants to improve the navigation of the Conhocton. A handsome court-house, and a very secure and convenient goal, are added to the number of …

The openings, or large tracts of land, found frequently in this country free of timber, and showing great signs of having been once in a state of cultivation, are singularly curious. This sort of land, from the ignorance of the first settlers in regard to its quality, was supposed to be barren, and was therefore little valued : necessity, however, obliged some to attempt the …

I do not recollect that the French had ever so great a force in this part of America, at so early a period ; for these forts, from very large decayed timbers lying in them, and large timber growing over those fallen down, must be at least two hundred years old: the forts are, besides, too numerous for mere stations; and great collections of human bodies are found in them …

Oats, 50 40 to 50 Indian corn, 50 30 to 60 Barley, 70 60 Ten dollars per ton for timothy and clover hay ; the product is from two to three tons per acre on an average. That you may be able to ascertain, with some accuracy, the advantage that may be reaped from an expenditure of capital in this country, in improving a farm, it is necessary to make some calculation, founded on …

It has been found, by repeated experience, that when wheat is about one dollar per bushel, an acre of ground, taken from a state of nature, and well timbered, will require, with great economy, fourteen dollars per acre to put it into a crop of wheat or rye, including every ,expense : this I have seen ascertained with great accuracy, in a field of forty acres, near Geneva …

No part of America is better aaapted for dairy farms ; for at no time is the weather so hot but butter can be made and preserved. The quantity of cheese already made is considerable ; several farmers keeping from twenty • This season a field of twenty acres was averag-ed at Bath, and found to bear of good hay three tons 8 cwt. 46 lb. per acre. In many places the red clover was …

Several of its branches atTord good navigation to the most westerly parts of the county. They may be navigated almost to their source, for five or^six months in the year, by boats carrying from f've to eight tons ; but when the surplus produce requires the carriage of heavy articles, to Baltimore, the natural sea port of this part of the country, for six weeks, or two months …

J A great quantity of spirituous liquors is necessary for the supply of the western posts, and Indian trade in Canada. The whisky, for some years back, has been sent from Northumberland, in Pennsylvania: after a carriage of four hundred miles it is sold for one dollar and fifty cents per gallon at Niagara, and two dollars and fifty cents at Detroit. The county of Ontario, from …

The land-holder will receive, in payment for his lands, articles fit for the Baltimore market,f and the settlers will be encouraged to make great exertions to pay from the soil, for the land they have purchased. The success of every individual who has. emigrated to the Genesee Country, has stamped a greater value on the lands than ever was known in any place so recently …

Kryder, of Juneata River, invented these boats about six years ago; the high price of flour and lumber induced him to make the experiment, and he arrived safe at Baltimore with his load. They have been used every year since that time, and are made of plank: they are broke up after discharging their cargo, and sold for lumber, with little or no loss: they are navigated by three …

As the settlers find it convenient, they can improve, and afterwards move to their farm lots, and lease or sell to mechanics their town lots. One mill, one blacksmith, and one road will serve the settlement, at a time when every shilling is valuable, and eVery hour's labour of much consequence ; and the satisfaction of a society labouring together, who are bound to each other …

The wealthy man may add what he pleases. If the dam is not difficult, a small grist-mill and saw-mill may be built for one thousand dollars. I am &c. LETTER V. Dear Sir, When a census of this state was taken, in the year 1790, the number of inhabitants in the county of Ontario was estimated at nine hundred and sixty souls ; but even in this small number, there were included …

It may be nearly judged of by concurrent circumstances; but, until- our census is taken, it cannot be exactly ascertained. We find, amongst the circumstances from which our population can be ascertained, that the printer of the Ontario Gazette disperses, weekly, not less than one thousand papers, and the printer of the Bath Gazette, from four to five hundred. From this some …

Within my Knowledge there are in Ontario County nineteen grist-mills, and twenty-eight saw-mills, and some of them equal to any in America: an Steuben county there are only ten grist-mills and twenty saw-mills. All the first settlers in this country were from New-England : this circumstance probably arose from access to it being from that quarter only, and the purchasers from …

When they compare this with the difficulty of reaching the new settlements on the western waters, and the little value of produce there, the comparison is highly in favour of the Genesee.* Here they find the inhabitants enjoying more comforts and conveniences than is at this moment experienced in many settlements of twenty years standing. The most advantageous markets are …

• It is found that the price of lumber, fat cattle, butter and cheese, is at least fifty per cent hif^her in Baltimore than in Albany; a circumstance much in favor of Steuben county, when compared with the counties North of Albany. VOL. TT. 73 1154 PAPERS RELATING TO Their corn, the common food of the inhabitants, is sometimes 62^ cents per bushel and sometimes 12^, and …

These are advantages to a new country, which are incalculable, and afford the means of bringing thousands of acres into cultivation. For my own part, after having seen great part of the United States, and resided six years in the Genesee Country ; seen it a dreary wilderness, and seeing it now possess every comfort man can desire, who divests himself of the foibles and follies …

Our vicinity to Maryland and Pennsylvania procures us the finest horses in America ; and we have had the same advantages in a breed of cattle from New- England. The lakes and rivers supply us abundantly with fish, •Since the army left the Western Territory, all grain has fallen in price, so as not to be worth the raising-, except for the consumption of the inhabitants, while …

A waggon, with two oxen and two horses will go twenty miles per day with a load of 30 cwt. The accommodation by the state road will be found very good ; and should any accident happen on the road, assistance can be procured at every stage. The great secret of moving with facility is to carry nothing but bedding, clothes, and cooking materials ; all the articles of household …

This indulgence shows the liberality of this country, and, it is presumed in the present state of Europe, is a circumstance in its favour that will not be overlooked by those who may wish to secure an asylum for themselves or their families on this side of the Atlantic. To such, this part of the United States is particularly suited. The climate and soil are l)y no means …

In many instances such societies are found for half a century to have preserved their native language in great purity. Though these circumstances may appear trifling, yet they are of material consequence to the comfort of those who change their coimtry at a period of life when both habits and manners are formed, and to those who have, by prudential motives, been induced to …

For the school, about 60 Ten gentlemen, 500 acres each 5,000 Ten farmers, 100 acres each 1,000 Forty farmers, 78 acres each, 3,120 For the village, sixty lots of 12 acres each. .. 720 10,000 acres. Men of property anxious to secure to their families estates in America^ will experience great satisfaction in joining their countrymen, perhaps their former friends and neighbours …

But the exploring of the navigations, removing the incidental obstructions, opening roads, and building mills, not only procured an easy supply of necessaries, but, by inducing a rapid settlement, ensured the cultivation of the country. What would four years ago have been impracticable, is now easy ; and all the new settlers are supplied with every necessary at moderate price …

B. left England early in April, and arrived with his family at New-York, about the middle of May : after having purchased a few necessary articles at New-York, he took a passage for himself and his family, on board an Albany sloop, and in two days he arrived in Albany ; from thence he went, by land to Schenectady, a small town on the Mohawk River, sixteen miles from Albany …

This gentleman, although unused to business of the kind, by the end of October had put into the ground forty acres of wheat in good order; and before the first of December had his house finished for the reception of his family The continuance of the same exertion for one season more, will place this gentleman in a situation that his family will be abundantly Bupplied with all …

At Northumberland the west and north branches of this river meet, affording a very advantageous situation for trade The branch which heads in the Genesee Country makes, from l^orthumberland, a course almost directly north, and is called the North Branch, At Tioga Point a junction is formed between the waters of the Otsego Lake, known by the name of the East Branch of the …