iEx ICthria SEYMOUR DURST When you leave, please leave this hook Because it has heen said " Ever'thin^ comes t' him who waits Except a loaned hook." Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/originalsteamboaOOfitc_0 THE ORIGINAL STEAMBOAT SUPPORTED; A REPLY T Mr. JAMES RUMSEY's PAMPHLET, SHEWING THE TRUE PRIORITY F JOHN FITCH, A W D T H E FALSE © A T [ N G S, F JAMES R U M S E Y, PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED BY ZACHARIAH POULSON, JUNk. ON THE WEST SIDE OF FOURTH-STREET; BETWEEN MARKET AND ARCfl STREETS. M D C C L XX XVIII. P55 P R E F ACE. AGREEABLY to a promise made in (be Iiidepenclaiit GazeUeer, I now present to the Public a reply to the Pamphlet published by M'\ Rumsev,of Virginia,- — and as I have n® matter to conceal, ot disguise.^ and wish my Readers to have a full and fair view of the whole controversy, I have reprinted and annexed M'. Rumseys PamphUet^ which will discover, to every impartial person who will take the trouble to examine the subject, that he hath no sort of ju.st 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 . ha\ang acquired the art of condmsing ( with the dash of his pen) one whole year into the compass of six days. JOHN FITCH Philadelphia, 10«^ May, 1788. THE ORIGIN AL STEAM-BOAT SUPPORTED, &c. It is the duty of every man not only to avoid the commiss:oP of a crime, but so to conduct himself through life as to bear the strictest scrutiny. In a Pamphlet published by James Rumsey and lately circulated in this City, as well as probably in other States^ I am charged as the perpretator of crimes attrocious in their nature, but of which my conscience fully acquits me. 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 influence, will decide between us — Conscious of my conduct, in the prosecution of this business, beinp; that of an honest man, it is incumbent on me to recite the circumstances, and facts relative thereto. I confess the thought of a Steamboat, which struck me by mere accident, about the middle of April 1785,* has hitherto been very unfortunate to me ; the perplexities and embarrassments throusb which it has caused me to wade, far exceed any thing, that the commoa course of life ever presented to my view. After pondering" VOL. II. * Vide No. 1 and 2. 66 1042 EARLY STEAM pome dayj ob the thought, I made a rough draught, but not daring to trust my own opinion too far, I consulted M^ 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, 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 their Files. In September I presented thera to the Philosophical Society, as per certificate. N*. 3. Philadelphia 1785. September 27*1'. 3785. At a special meeting of the American Philosophical Society : A model accompanied with a drai^^ing and description of a machine for working a boat, against the Stream, by means of a Steam Engine, was laid before the Society by John Fitch. At a meeting of the American Philosophical Society, on December 1785. A copy of the drawing and description of a machine for working a boat against the current, which, some time ago, was laid before the Society by M"^. John Fitch, he, this evening, presented to them. Extract from the Minutes SAMUEL MAGAW One of the Secretaries, In October I called on the ingenious Mr. Henry, of Lancaster, to ta e his opinion of my drafts, who informed me, that I was n»t the first person who had thought of applying Steam to vessels; that ne had conversed with Andrew Ellicott as early as the year 1775, and that Paine, author of Common Sense, had suggested the same thing to him in the winter of 1778 ; that some time after, be (M.'' Henry) thinking more seriously of the matter, was of opinion it migjht be easily perfected and accordingly made some drafts might be proposed to lay before the Philosophical Society and which he theB showed me, but added as he had neglected to bring NAVIGATIOW. 1043 them to public view, and as I had first published the plan to the world; he would lay no claim to the invention. The following I have been favored with fro«i M'' Ellicott: N*^ 4. Battimore, AprU 2lbth 1788. r do hereby certify, that early in the year one thousand, seven hundred and seventy five, William Henry, of Lancaster, con- versed vdXh me on the subject of steam and intimated that he thought it might be advantageously applied to the Navigation of Boats. (Signed) ANDREW ELLICOTT. From Lancaster I went to the Assembly of Virginia, first watting on Governor Johnson, of Maryland, who, notwithstanding the letters he has since written in favour of Rumsey, acknowl- edged a merit in my invention, and that it ought to be encouraged, as will presently appear. During my journey through Maryland, m October, I passed through Frederick Town, and every where published my Plan. In Virginia I waited on his Excellency General Washington, who, in the course of conversation, informed me, that the thought of applying stej^ra was not original, that M' Rumsey had mentioned Steam to him; but nothing that passed in the conversation with General Washington had the least tendency to convey the idea of M^ Rumsey's relying on Steam, and General Washington's letter, page 10, in M*" Rumsey's Pamphlet, clears up the matter — for the General himself did not conceive any such thing. Knowing that the thought of applying Steam to Boats had been suggested by other Gentlemen long before^ I left his Excel- lency General Washington with all the elated prospects that an aspiring projector could entertain, not doubting but I should reap the full benefit of the project, for although I found that some had conceived the thought before, yet I was the first that ever exhibited a plan to the public; and was fully convinced that I could not interfere with M^ Rumsey, otherwise the known candor of General Washington must have pointed out to me such interference. I immediately applied to the Legislature of Virginia for assistance, to execute my plan, who signified their wish to encourage my designs, but tiiat the state of their finances prevented it — the then Govornor of the state, Patuek Henry, Esq' received Worn me an 1044 EAKLY STEAJVI obligation with provision, that if T procured in that state a sale foi one thousand or my Maps of the N. W. part of the United States, at 6/8 each, I 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 when he receives subscriptions for 1000 of liis maps, 6/8 each, November l6tii 1785. (Signed) P. Henry. I then returned to Maryland and acquainted Governor Johnson of my expected assistance in Virginia, and that I intended applying to the Assembly of Maryland then sitting, to promote and patronise my scheme — Governor Johnson gave me the following Letter to General Small wood, the then Governor of the state. No. 7. Frederick Toum November 25th 1785. . SIR M' 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 tbis alone, he has spent much thought on an improvement of the Steam- engine, by w^hich to gain a first power, applicable to a variety of uses, amongst others to force vessels forward in any kind of water; if this engine can be simplified, constructed and made to work at a small expense, there is no doubt but it will be very' useful in most great works, and amongst them in ship building. M^ Fitch wants to raise money to make an experiment on Boats, the counten- ance 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 applying the money in that way; — all NAVIGATION 1045 that I have to request of you Sir, is, that you will give him an opportunity to converse with you, you will soon perceive he is a man of real genius and modesty, your countenancing him will follow of course. I am Sii^ Your Excellency's (Subscribed) most obedient and most humble His Excellency Governor Smallwood. Servant Favor of THO^ JOHNSON. Mr Fitch. From hence it plainly appears that Governor Johnson could not at that time have any idea of my scheme interfering with Mr. Ramsey's as seems to be now insinuated in that gentlemans letter to Mr. Rumsey, N<>. 14 of his Pamphlet. I attended the session of the legislature about three weeks after receiving this letter, and on ray 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 liberal and enlightened legislators to encourage useful arts, yet the state and condition of our finances are such that there can be no advance of public money at present." From this report it is proved beyond all doubt, that the Assembly of Maryland did not conceive my plan the same as Mr. Rumsey's — finding that I was undoubtedly the first person in America that could be termed the inventor of a steam Boat, either agreeably to custom, or equity, I thought it prudent to apply to the different states for the exclusive privileges for the emoluments of such invention, which were granted by New Jersey in March 1786 by DelaAvare, New-York and Pennsylvania, in the wmter and spring fo^l0^^ing, and by Virginia in October 1787. * I 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 considera- tion, not doubting but that the design and tendency of that pro- duction will be a sufl&cient apology for the plainness with which I shall treat it. Mr. Rumsey says in page 2, "That in the month of September, 1784 1046 EARLY we exhibited the model of a Boat to his Excellency General Wash- ington at Bath in Berkeley county, calculated for stemming the current of rapid rivers only^ constructed on principles very different from (his) present one; satisfied of the experiment of her making way against a rapid stream by the force of the stream the General was pleased to give me a most ample certificate of her efficacy.^' Here it is to be observed, that no mention was made to General Wash- mgton of steam at the time of such exhibition ; the principles on which the Boat was propelled, were entirely unconnected with, and distinct from steam ; being simply a model propelled by water wheels, cranks, and setting poles ; a mode which was many years ago tried on the river Schuylkill by a farmer near Reading, but without success. From an exhibition of this plan it was that M*". Rumsey procured the certificate from General Washington, and on that certificate were Mr. Rumsey's laws founded. In his peti- tions to the several legislatures, he prayed for no exclusive right, for the use of Steam Boats ; neither did he make mention of Steani, to their committees ; or even suggest an idea of the kind ; as proof of which, I offer the following petition to the Assembly of Penn- sylvania, the certificate from General Washington, accompanying it, and the certificate of Manuel Eyre, Esquire, who was one of the committee of Assembly, who reported in M^'. Rumsey's favor. N*. 8. I have seen the model of Rumsey's Boats, constructed to work against, streams : 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 (although I had little faith before) that he has discovered the art of working boats by mechanism ami small manual assistance against rapid currents; that the discovery is of vast importance ; may be of the greatest usefulness in our inland navigation , and, if it succeeds, of which I liave no doubt, that the value of it is greatly enhanced by the simplicity of the works, which when seen and explained may be executed by the most common mechanic. Given under my hand at the town of Bath, County of Berkeley itt the State of Virginia this 7lh of September 1784 GFK>RGF. WASHrNGTON. KAVlSATJOIf. mi 9. T9 the Honourable the Rqw esmtatives of th't State of Pen^sylvmm m General Assembly met. Gentlemen, Whereas your petitioner has formed a plan for facilitatijig the navigation of rapid rivers ; he therefore d©th propose to construe a certain species of Boats of the burthen of ten tons which shall sail or be propelled bj the combined influence of certain mechamcftl powers thereto applied, the distance of between twenty-five and forty miles per day, against the current of a rapid river^ notwith- standing the velocity of the water should move at the rate of five miles per hour and upwards, with the burthen often tonsoa board, to be wrought at no greater expense than that of three hands ; and as a premium of so useful an invention, your petitioner prays for an act to pass this honorable house, granting to your petitioner, his heirs and assigns, the sole and exclusive right of constructujg, navigating and employing boats constructed upon his new invented model upon each and every oreek, river, bay, inlet and har))our within the limits and jurisdiction of this commonwealth^ for and during the term of ten years, fully to be completed and ended > to be computed from the first day of January next ; provided always, that the legislature of this commonwealth may, at any time within the term aforesaid, abolish the exclusive right herein prayed for by the payment of ~ pounds in gold or silv^^r. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall pray JAMES R.U.MS.RY. The foregoing is a true copy of the original petition reniftining on the files of the General Aa^mbJy aad read ij* the house NoTeml>er26, 1784. J. SHALLUS, Jst. Clk. N» 10. This may certify that I the subscriber was in Assembly for the year 1784, and was appointed one of the commiltee to report or Mi^ James Ramsey's petition for his boat to g» ^gainsi the s(refiinh ©jf rapi^l riven^ att4 tfcat there was )i» )«e«iti*H »{#r any idea held 1048 EARLY STRAM up to the committee that it was to be propelled by the force of steam. (Signed) MANUEL EYRE. Now I ask, whether it does not amount to a positive proof that M'' Rumsey had no sort of reference to, or dependence on Steam T General Washington says, "It is so simple thdii it maybe executed by the most common mechanic f which certainly his excellency v.'oukl not have said of a Steam-Engine ; a machine that has cost me two years to understand and cornpleat. If we examine the Petition, we shall find, that it confirms the General's idea of simplicity ; for M'" Rumsey says " it may be wrought at no greater expense than that of three hands," plainly indicating, that the expense of fre was not in contemplation ; and to put the matter out of all doubt, Eyre declaresj " There was no idea held up to the committee that it was to be propelled by Steam^ All Rumsey 's laws w^ere obtained, in consequence of his model, shewn to General Washington at Bath ; which, as I have said, was nothing but water wheels, cranks and setting poles; therefore he could have no pretension to the use of Steam, under those laws. With the same propriety, his claim might extend to every power, and every machine in the United States ; as soon as any man had invented one that would suit his purpose. So that upon his plan of law making, no other man would be safe in expending his money, but all must be swallowed up by his pretendedly ambiguous laws. But I am- happy in knowing,, that Jiis laws as well as his claims^ cannot interfere wiihmine, for had he professed any reliance on Steam ; or any intention to fipply it to his boats, he certainly would not have neglected inserting so important a part of the scheme, in his petitions to the different legislatures. Nor would he have prayed to be invested with the exclusive privilege, to use boats, constructed on such diiTerent principles from those he really intended to pursue. In M' Rumsey's act passed in Pennsylvania, 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, cranks, water wheels and setting poles) is all he was- entitled to under that law. Can it be -supposed NAVIGATION. 1049 that the legislature would not have included Steam in their laws if they had been informed by M^. Rumsey that if was his grand dependence ; the essential, the vital part of his scheme as he now professes. That they had no such intimation given them, is very evident from their encouragement to me ; and the laws since passed are the fullest proofs of the received meaning of M^ Rumsey's petition, viz. that they had no connection with steam. And that M^' Rumsey did not think himself misunderstood j must certainly be granted ; because he made no objection to any of my petitionsj as interfering with his Laws, which, agTeeable 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 says I find my idea of Steam wa« nearly matured before Steam had ever entered his head oy his confession to Governor Johnson viz. April 1785." Now can it be supposed that M"^ Rumsey had made considerable improve" merits on Steam-engines in 1784, or that he had obtained laws securing a right to the use of Steam to Boats, Avhen at the time of his petitioning for, and the passing of those laws, he confesses his idea of Steam was not matured. 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 cyHnders cast at my brother's and my works; the attempt did not succeed." Speaking of General Washington, the Governor adds But the General seems to have thought it an immatccred idea that he did riot imagine you then relyed on^^ {yiz. in November 1784.) These two last acknowl- edgements on the part of M*^ Rumsey, must destroy the facts ailed ged in the first, viz. that He made progress in Steam- engines in the fall and winter of 1784." For the information given to General Washington in confidence respecting the boat, was such that the General Did not think he then relyed on Steam," which is fully confirmed, by his making use of the General's certificate to the Assemblies, wherein the discovery is treated as being enhanced by its simplicity, and may be executed by the 1050 STEAM most common mecbanic^^ which surely no person would say of a Steam engine. His application to Goyernor Johnson for castings for a Steam- engine, is insinuated to have been in October or November 1785, which I must deny, and refer to the Governor's own letter for the proof ; being confident that no such application had been made to that gentleman by M' Rumsey, previous to my obtaining the letter of Recommendation to Governor Smallwood, But even had it been true it goes no further back than October or November 1785, which was the very time I was publishing ray plan through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and was near three months after the time I laid it before Congress — And yet this attempt to have a cylinder cast, at Governor Johnson's works in October or November 1785, is the first essay tow^ards bringing forward a St^am-engine, that is offered in proof, admitting it to have been at ilie tm^ie Governor Johnson supposes, which I cannot allow for reasons I shall presently offer in addition to what I have already said on this head. Then how are we to reconcile the assertion of M^" Rumsey^s having made considerable progress in Steam-engines " in tlie fall or winter of 1784," when it appears his first attempt (by this account) was not made until October or November 1785 as mentioned by Governor Johnson's letter. I shall hereafter show to a demonstration, beyond all possibility of doubt, that this same engine, said to have been completely made in Frederick Town in December 1785, was not begun until March 1786. On comptring 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) wdth his letter to Rumsey, dated December the 18th. 1787, it must unavoidably call in que.stion the memcyt-y or candour of the WTiter, the latter I most certainly ought to acquit, and should have been happy had I obtained the last ex-planatim on this head, when I lately made a journey to his house ; expressly to procure it ; possibly it may stiJl be rec-eived, If Governor Johnson knew, and believed the leg"al priority of M'" Rumsey^s claim, tx? a Steam boat, and was entrusited Wi4i* 1M5 ^ecretj bow was it possible be oouid have encouraged a 1051 man 9/ real genius and vwd^sfif^ (as he was pleaseJ to term me) to proceed on an experiment, which terminate as it woulo', musi ine\^tably end m loss and disappointment. For sliould the ex:pen ment tail, which was then thought very doubtful, the small fund, which I should raise by the sale of my maps, must likewise fail ; for I was to expend it in Virginia as appears by Governor Henry^s certificate page 5. Should the experiment succeed to the utmost of my wishes, I should suffer more severely, not in my money and time only, but in my reputation ; and meet the treatment of a man trespassing on the rights of a fellow citizen, who had a law in his favour. 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, tke Governor certainly would not have requested a gentleman of General Small- wood^s rank to countenance me, not only to trespass on the rights of M"" Rumsey, but to violate a law, which as Governor of the state he was bound to support, Another circumstance corroborates my assertion of misrelation of facts, as to time. It will be recollected that Governor Johnson's letter recommend- ing me so very minutely and warmly to the patronage of Governor Smallwood, was dated 25th November 1785, And in his letter to Rumsey, the Governor says, In October or November 1785 , you told me you relied on Steam for your first po vver and wished me to promote your having some castings at my brother's and my 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 designed purpose of the cylinder was a subject of pretty general conversation?'' — Now the Governor's letter in my favour was dated 25th. November 1785, and the whole machinery is sworn to have been com pleated on the 1st December following, only six days after the time of my getting this letter of recommendation — and a3 the cylinder was a subject of " pretty general coiivei^tion/' I could not have been kept in ignorance by the Governor from his Obligation to secrecy*" because it was no long^er » secret 1052 * EARLY STEAM in Frederick-town. The thing was impossible in its nature, that the cylinders and copper works should have been making, and a subject of general conversation, in Frederick-town, on 25th day of November 1785, the time I was obtaining my letter of intro- duction to Governor Smallwood, in that very town : and must have, heard it myself if Governor Johnson had been so disengenuous as to conceal it from me; which is absurd to suppose; for 1 made my business publicly known in that town, and therefore, if M'. Rum'sey's cylinders were the subject of general conversatioQ, I must have heard it from every quarter; therefore it clearly follows, that the conversation about casting of the cylinders, the obligation of secrecy, and the general conversation about the design of the cylinders in Frederick-town, could not have happened in the year 1785. — If Mr. Rumsey had made Governor Johnson his confident '} In October or November 1785," it is highly improbable that he would so far have deceived Mr. Rumsey and me, as to encourage my pursuit of a similar nature, within so short a time as six days of its being compleated. — And it is equally improbable that M^. 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 after as that he forgot the letter he had given me) offer to assist M^. Rumsey with castings ; which not succeeding, an application was made to coppersmiths in Frederick-town the ensuing spring, who in the course of the suinimer 1786, delivered their work to M^'. Rumsey. — About this time it was that the matter became a subject of " general conversation — and if winter stopped the putting of the whole machinery into motion as V\ras sworn to by Messrs. Barns and Morrow, it was the winter of 1786, which is long after my boat was built, and my model of a Steam-engine compleated. — Of this my readers will soon be fully convinced — and a further weighty proof is — that as M*" Rumsey professes his hurr}'ing on his engine was on account of my setting up pretensionz, it cannot be believed that he would suffer my oetition to lay before the assembly of NAVIGATION. 1053 Maryland, and be reported on in my favour about the20lh Decem- ber 1785, nineteen days after he says bis boat and engine were finished — M^. 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 where 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 T wish to confute him out of his own waitings. Let me pursue his explanation still further, and ask, what could be the use of secresy in this business, if M^. Rumsey, as he alledges, was secured in the use of the invention by law 1 Could he expect any countenance from the public, for a scheme wraplJ^B up in secresy and which is confessed by Governor Johnson to have remained so until after I had published my plauj both in Maryland and Virginia — M'". Rumsey and his confidential friends might have died, and then no advantage could have arisen to the com- munity ; and until such advantage was pubHcly imparted, certainly nothing could be expected from the public. In page 16 he inserts part of a letter from General Washington in answer to his of the 10th. March 1785 : " It gives me much pleasure to find by your letter, that you are not less sangiwu 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 Governor Johnson (even after my petition was before the Assembly of Maryland) he still thought that M^ Rumsey had "No reliance on Steam" — The General's saying that he thought M^ Rumsey's idea of steam w^as ^' Immature''^ in November, 1784 (the time they were at Richmond) is a proof that M^ Rumsey's being not less sanguine^^ must have alluded to his setting pole scheme because no man can be said to be sanguine in any thing of which he has but '-An immatured idea^^ ; and Further discoveries^^ will not apply to Steam, because Steam could be no new discovery, and was mentioned to the genera-l at Richmond ; nor is any thing mentioned of Steam in the General's Letter ; at 1054 EARIiY STKAM least in the cxtmct. ll is reasonable to snipposc, if Steam haSince M*". Rumsey has been in town I have been told, that he says I have got his mode of creating steam j whether that be the case or not (or whether he has got mine) \ do not at present know But 1056 EARLY STEAM as both M*". Rumsey and M^. Voight laid their drawings and pians before the Philosophical Society the same day, it will appear how far they are alike. And Voight made a prior entry of his plans in the Prothonotary^s ofTicp, in this city. . If there should happen to beany similarity bii^een them, it would be nothing surprising; having the same load on both their minds, they both sought relief ; 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 that suited the disorder — but I will proceed with the pamphlet. — In page 17, Henry Bedinger says, that M^". James Rumsey informed him in or before the month of March 1784, that he intended to give a trial to a steam-boat, and he believes he mentioned such intention of M^ Rumsey's in Kentucky ; which seems to have been a breach of honour, as it must be supposed M*\ Rumsey gave it to him in confidence ; for he treated bis idea of Steam as a secret to Governor Johnson long after ; thus on the disclosure of this friend, M^. Rumsey builds a charge against me as having filched bis scheme in Kentucky ; this like his other charges is founded in falsehood, for it is a well known fact, that I have not been iuKentuckey since the year 1781. The depositions of George Rootes, N". 8, and Nicholas Orrick, 10, testifying to his having informed them, in the year 1784, of his projecting a steam boat is quite useless for reasons already given. Messrs Henry and Paine 'projected it before him ; and if bare 'projection was sufficient to build a claim on, I have no doubt but there are people now in their graves, whose heirs might set up more early claims than either of us. If M'". 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 iimnatured idea and on which he thought he did not rely?'' I must therefore contend that these depositions, lose their weight, and the whole of his conduct proves to a demonstration, that he could not have been engaged in making steam engines at the time mentioned by those witnesses, with a view of applyuig them to his boat. In page 20, N". 18, he inserts a paragraph of a letter said NAVIGATION. 1057 to have been written by a Mr. Dame). Buckley^ near Philadelphia, by which he fixes the time of his applying himself to the "perfecting ^ his steam engine with much ardour In part of said inserted extract, speaking of me he stiles me, " A M\ Fitch of Philadelphia now this letter, if the facts it recites are true, must have been written after the 17th. of April 1786, and not in 1786, as insinuated by M^' Rumsey, for I was not an inhab- itant of Philadelphia until after that period ; nor did I ever hear that M'^ Rumsey was employed in making a steam boat until long after that time ; consequently I could not have used any expressions about it until April 1786. 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 gain truth only by successive experiments, mcredii/e delays were produced, &c. I bore the pelting of ignorance and ill-nature with all resignation, until I was informed some dark assassins had endeavoured to wound the reputation of his Excellency, and the other gentlemen, who saw my exhibition at Bath, for giving me a certificate. The reflections upon these worthy gentle- men gave me inexpressible uneasiness, and I should certainly have quitted my steam engines, though in great forwardness, and have produced the boat, for which I had obtained the certificate, for their justification and my own, had not a M"" Fitch came out at this critical minute, with his steam-boat, asserting that he was the first inventor of steam, and that I had gotten what small knowledge I had from him, &c." Now this embarrassment being confessedly subsequent ^0 the letter to General Washington, just mentioned, viz. 10th. 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 compleating of the steam engine ; therefore as M^ Rumsey quitted his setting pole scheme and " pursued the perfecting his steam engine with increased ardor (page 3) onthe receipt of this letter ; it becomes of moment to ascertain its exact date • and I shall show that this letter VOL, n. 67 1058 EARLY STEAM I which set Messrs. Rumsey and Barns to work in such haste and with ^uch " increased ardor" was not wTitten until near a year after the time it is pretended, and the copper works said to have been made in 1785, were not begun until 1786 — so that this machinery complet- ed so briskly and sworn to have been on board in December 1785 has made a jump of just twelve months, in order to persuade the public into a belief that M"" Rumsey's works were begun time enough to supplant mine. — " At that critical minute''' says he Came out a Fitch asserting I had got what small knowledge, I had from him" — At what critical minute I ask? 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 j 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 subsequent to the date of the letter from M^ Buckley. Then if I can fix the time of M^ Buckley's writing the letter, I shall establish a certain fixed period at which M'' Rumsey acknowledges his works were not on board his boat. And I felicitate myself in being able to do it so incon- testibly as to prove from his own writings that he has given false dates and assigned false reasons for his movements. 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 my plans public, and was procuring patterns for ray present cylinder, and had made a complete model of a steam-engine in brass and iron. — I have been at the pains of walking 66 miles to Pequa and Lancaster to see M^ Buckley, that I might obtain an additional proof (to the many others I shall produce) that M^ Rumsey has transposed the order of time and antedated facts. M*" Buckley frankly toi^i me all he knew of the matter and fixeo the time of writing his letter, so circumstantially^ to have been in 1786, and not in 1785, that not a doubt can remain — and it will further appear from the certificate he hri.s wiynii me that the colouring- as to fact, as well fis to ■I.^^'-, NAVIGATION. 1059 been grossly disingenuous, as will be seen on comparing his certificate. No. 18, with the following : No. 11. 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 7iot told to me by j[r Fitc/iy but by other persons, who for reasons were convinced of his priority of inven- tion. And as to the time of writing the letter it was when M"" Samuel Brigs was making patterns for Fitch's castings. As witness my hand this twelfth day of May, 1788. DANIEL BUCKLEY. On my return to Philadelphia I applied to M^. Brigs in order to ascertain the Time of his making my patterns and he freely gave me the following certificate : No. 12. This may certify whom it may concern, that in the summer of 1786, 1 performed some turning work for John Fitch, being pat- terns for castings for his steam boat, and before that time I made no work for the said John Fitch ; That I am acquainted with Daniel Buckley and saw him at my shop during that summer and at sundry times since, and we have frequently conversed about James Rumsey, but the particulars of any conversation, with him I do not recollect. SAMUEL BRIGGS. Affirmed the 15th. May 1788. that the foregoing is just and true, before PLUNKT^. FLEESON. Thus, independant of all other proofs, have I brought a conclu- sive evidence out of M^ 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 M''. Rumsey's own words (annexed tb the certificate No. 18.) viz '-Should he incline io assert hereafter, what credit he will deserve, has been so clearly proved, that future impositions iDaybe avoided, and those \\ho spread a slander they do not helitve^ deserve the contempt of all honest men " 1060 EARLY STEAM . But I will proceed and must not omit remarking, that this thirci page of his work is very fatal to him. He says " I should certainly hav€ quitted my steam engines [mgines only in idea) though in great forwardness, and have produced ihc boat for vjhich 1 had obtained the certificate^ &c. had not a M^. Fitch come out at this critical mmute with his steam-boat, &c.^^ And further adds " Had I exhibited my first boat it would have been construed into an acknowledgement of M^. 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 Avith increased ardor." Thus I have a proof from himself, that the certi- ficates from General Washington, &c. (which procured his laws in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania) had no reference to steam consequently my laws for the exclusive use of steam applied to boats, cannot interfere either with his laws, or his expectations at the time of asking for them. I apphed to the several legisla- tures openly and unguardedly without friends and without patrons ; and from the pure merit of my pretensions, met wuth success, without a whisper being breathed, that 1 was interfering with M"^ Rumsey. I am confident that he never conceived me to be a rival in navigating boats, until he found his own plan hopeless and. mine likely to succeeds 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 di.?advantages 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, &c." — It is truly amazing that though he had long before this letter, been making progress in Steam engines, and gaining truth by successive experiments, and incredible delays^ insomuch that at the time of his proposing to get cylinders cast at Governor Johnson's works in October 1785, he had the principal part of his work untouched ; I say it is amazing, that these incredible delays should all vanish as .n an instant, and that between the time of hifi failing at Governor *'ohnson's works in Octouer or November 1785, and the first of December following, he should have completed his whole machi- NAVIGATIOK. 1061 nery, ready to be put on board. — A Steam-engine is a complex piece of work, and his subvSequent 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 beUeve^ that his first machinery could have been conjuied together in little more than 30 days. — No such thing happened — I have already sufficient proof to the contrary, and have no doubt but a multitude of corroborating witnesses will voluntarily offer themselvesj when this pamphlet gets down to Frederick-town and Shepherds town, where I shall take some pains to have it circulated. It is truth alone I am in search of, in order to wipe off the imputation from my own character; for as to stability of title to my exclusive rights, I shall not cast away an anxious thought about it, — I am secured by my laws — and my ' coadjutors as M»'. Rumsey is pleased to term them, I am sure have no sort of apprehension about the monies they have risqued ; and only wish that I should remove any aspersions that may be unjustly cast upon me ^ Thus far it may be said they have an interest in my success, because a law in my favour in Maryland is yet depending. I must not yet quit the subject of M^. Buckley's letter in his third page, from whence it is plainly to be gathered, that subsequent to his letter of lOth March 3785, 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 Steam-engine, for this boat, until (as he calls it) the critical moment when a M'^. Fitch with his Steam- engine came out, asserting that he was the first inventor of Steam, and that I had gotten what small knowledge I had, from him." — - Now as all his experiments were privately conducted, and he does not pretend to have begun his boat engine, until Mr. 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 works and prior to the beginning of his ^YOlks for his boat in J^ovember (as he calls it) which from his own statement has laid a fair and just foundation for my claim of public priority , lb; private priority is out of the question, as M^. Henry, M"". Ellicott and Paine are before us both. Nay even after the real Steam-engine for his boat was actually begun, we find it kept as the most profound secret, and from Charles Morrow's deposition it is declared, the boat came to Sheperds-town early in the fall of 17S5 ; that M^. Barns went to Baltimore shortly after to have some machinery cast ; and on his return from Balti- more was sent to Frederick-town in order to have some other things made (which could not consistently wi'.h Governor Johnson's letter be earlier than the beginning of November) and about the middle of November they were all finished viz. a boiler ^ two cylinders , pumps, pipes, ^x. — I confess this is very brisk work for a country town — more than ever I could get in the city of Philadelphia. At Baltimore four large cocks were bespoke by M*". Barns and the brass founder was told they were for the warm springs 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, applied to see them, but was refused (as will be shown) and the matter still remained a secret until, as Governor Johnson says, ^^The designed purpose of the cylinder was a subject of pretty general conversation in Frederick-town" — Then during this interval of privacy, surely any ma.i that should have conceived the same idea and brought it forward to public view, ought to be entitled to the right and advantages of the discovei y — for all these confidential persons, as I have already said, might have died and the world have lost the bt nt'fit — Lei me consider the dangler of admitting thisne\.' doctrine elaiius — A nian makes a valuable discovery — he pursues it at a \ \va\. expense and publishes it to the world ~ a set of men com- rmin;;- together shall afterwards come forth, swear for each other, liat J.u y been making the same kind of engine, many months X fin*', and bring proofs from respectable characters, that they had ,\initd at the practicability of such a scheme, even before their private ex[)e:inifnts. Will any man of the least particle of NAVIGATION. 1063 iindersta»ding allow, that this private work shall be adnntted 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 w^anting to swear away from the real inventor, the most valuable discoveries in the world. All they would desire from the pubhc claimant would be, for him to fix the earliest date to his discovery, and if it was 20 or even 50 years back they would prove that they themselves, their fathers or grandfathers, or some distant friend, had communicated it many years before. — There is no end to this kind of proof; and both reason and lav/ unite in defending the first public discoverer. — It would be dan- gerous in the highest degree to deviate from this rule. — If M^' Rumsey did really and in good faith and conscience intend to cany into execution, the secret he communicated to General Washing- ton, I can only say he was unlucky in delaying it so long, as to let me, with my subsequent discoveries, come forward before him; what I did was public — it was notorious to all Virginia and Maryland and not a murmur was raised against me,- not a syllable uttered (that ever I heard) charging me with interfering with M'' Rumsey. — The Assemblies ot Virginia and Maryland encouraged my scheme, and nobody told me I should interfere with him. — My petitions laid long before the Assembly of Virginia, and a law was ultiinalely passed in my favour, w^ithout objection or complaint. M'" Rumsey has insinuated that I got my first thought from Captain Bedinger in Kentucky, who went there in 1784 — nay he goes so far in one place^ as to^ay, he "Was told so" and in another ih?it " Circum- stances 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" allegations — But I will suggest to him, that it is much more probable, that all his determinations of beginning his Steam-engine, might have come to Jmn in a much straighter line, than from Kentucky to me. Captain Bedinger is so uncertain about the matter of his ever having mentioned steam in Kentucky, that he only says, coldly, the he " believes^^ he also mentioned " that it worked by steam^ I will remind Mr. Rumsey, that I not only believe that I presented my plan to Congress, before the time he pretends to have spoken to Governor Johnson about getting cylinders for him, and before Lis 1064 EARLY STEAM copper works were bespoke, but tbe files of Congress will 'prove, that in August 1785, I laid my plan before them ; and nobody will suppose it was a very indirect road from Congress to each of the United Slates. A very few days after my plan was laid before them, Mr Rurasey might have been furnished with a copy of it , and if any member of Congress should know of such a transaction (certainly very innocent in itself) he will confer a great obligation on me by communicating it.-Eut in Philadelphia it w^as public before it went to Congress, and long before Rumsey's orders went to Frederick-TowM or Baltimore. I have a fair right to suppose all these things, and M' Rumsey's giving me no opposition in my ; application 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 exhibiting my boats in Virginia conformably to my law. I trust to the goodness of my cause and the honor and generosity of my country,— and that I not only have a substantial right by exclusive laws, but by justice and equity. The affidavits from William Askew, N^. 6, and Henry Bedinger, N**. 7, to prove that M' Rumsey's boat is much superior to mine, is acknowledging on the part of Rumsey, that his pretensions to the invention are but weekly founded. 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 O'P'inion of the world, — But even this position of M' Rumsey's I will not allow ; for on a comparison of the velocity and bulk of both boats and the force applied it is evident that mine exceeded in the proportion of more than two to one. I had a bulk of water to remove equal to above 12 tons, whilst he had to contend with no more than 3 tons, if I am rightly informed ; and our cylinders or (moving powers) were nearly, if not quite, equal ; yet my boat was urged forward with nearly the same velocity of his boat ; — therefore his mode hath hitherto no superiority. 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 caine origiaally from France, of which I was acquainted before he bespoke any of his works for steam, and contended the right of using it with Arthur Donaldson, in the beginning of 1786, before the Assembly of Pensylvania, as he attempted at that time, to assume ihe discovery to him'self. No. 13. I well remember when tVff Arthur Donaldson proposed before the Committee of Assembly, a method of navigating boats by z stream of water forced through by means of a steam engine ; that you appeared to be acquainted with the principle, which was said to be originally D' Franklin's, and that you then declared it had bee? your intention to have made an experiment upon it. GEO. CLYMER. M"* John Fitch May 17, 1788. In spite of all opposition I w^as left in full possession of that or any other way I chose, provided I worked by steam, and no man can take, it from me until my laws expire. I conceive we have by no means come to the greatest perfection of applying our power. I am now trying an experiment, and the machine is nearly finished, to propel a boat not by expelUng water^ but afr, and hope 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 not being more forwarcr in my plans, especially when they consider the great difficulty of procuring proper workmen, together with the new and unexplored grounds that I had to travel over, but hope shortly that I shall have it so perfect as to give full satisfaction of its utility. In page 5, he asserts, that my boat will not be propelled at the rate of more than three miles an hour when no tide opposes ; this assertion, I believe, will shortly be proved both rash and envious; I can make her go not only three but three times three. But as I have before mentioned, this is taking up the dispute upon different principles, than those M"" Rumsey found necessary to hold up to public view, viz. That he ^vas the inventor of the •steam boat. TMIs leads me to consider the principles on whiet) 1066 EARLY STEAM exclusive priviieges are foumleclj agreeably to justice and policy. If we have recourse to the enlightened nations of Europe, and more especially to England, whose laws respecting the title to property are (with little and in some cases with no vaiiation) in force amongst us, we shall find that their Jaws 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 man, uncertain in their operations, and expensively perplexing in experiment, it becomes necessary to have some mode established to secure to the owner the full benefit of his invention, which might otherwise prove his luin. To prevent which, justice and good policy have pointed out a remedy, and custom has established it on a permanent basis. — The inventor can claim no benefit from his thoughts or inventions, before he makes a public declaration of such invention in some place of record es1abli?hed for such purposes, — that is — he who invented and published a Steam-engine will have an exclusive right for a certain number of years for all steam engines ; at the expiration of which, each improver has an undoubted right to the benefit of any improvement. 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 . 21. This may certify, that Mr. Joseph Barnes did bespeak of me four brass cocks, which he said were for the warm springs j- that being disappointed by my journeyman, I got them made by Mr. Charles Weir & Co. — said cocks I do beheve weie 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 £6th day of April 178S CHRIST. RABORG. /072 EARLY STF-AM 22. The certificate of Charles Wier, who speaks with tolernble certainty of the works being made in the spring of 1786. This may certify, that when [ was in partnership with Isaac Causten, i made four brass cocks for Mr. Christopher Raborg, for which I received the Money and charged myself with it — that my books are destroyed and 1 cannot exactly recollect the time of their being made, bift am persuaded it was early in the spring in the year 1786 — this further may certify, that 1 never made the exact number of four cocks for said Raborg, except only that one time. As witness my hand, at BalLimore, 26lh. day of April 1788. CHARLES WIER. N*'. 23. The certificate of Isaac Causten, who ascertains upon good grounds that the said work was done and charged on the "29th March 1786. 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 T 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 day book. Neither have I made the exact number of four rocks for him at any other time. In witness whereof I have here- unto set my hand this 26th. day of April 1788. ISAAC CAUSTEN. The reader will doubtless, on an examination of two pamphlets perceive things in their true light, and tliat M'. Rumsey made no pretence to use steam till after the failure of his boat on the principles exhibited at Bath, after I had invested myself with an undoubted title by exhibiting the invention to Congress in August, 1785, and had published it to the states of Virginia and Maryland, who became virtually bound to secure me the right. M'. Rumsey prosecuting his works in secret, and appearing at tJbis late day with antedated facts is a full proof that he had no claim to the invention, nor is there any one principle of law or equity, on whicli 1073 lie can found his pretensions. If he claims it on his tlwtight M*". Paine, M'*. Henry and M^. Andrew Ellicott are long before him ; if on forming drafts without communicating them to the public, he must acknowledge M'". Henry^s priority • but if it is to be decided, as it certainly must, by the established mode of public declaration on recbrd, my title is indisputable. Being, therefore, certain of the stability of my claim, founded on the modes estab- lished in justice and policy, I have not a doubt but my country will secure and protect the right she has so deliberately granted to me. Under this security I embarked my time, my fortune, and reputation, and thus embarked, I am certain I have nothing to fear ; but shall depend with full confidence on a continuance of that justice which is due to the rights of the citizen, smd the honor of my country. JOHN FITCH. Philadelphia, lOth, May, 1788. MS. JVb^e.— Philadelphia December 12th. 88. N. 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 published, until when I apprehend nothing will be done by any legislature to my prejudice. Jn» : Fitcb. POSTSCRIPT. Since this Pamphlet went to press a second edition of M'. Rupasey's has been printed in this city, in which a short advertise- ment is prefixed and an extract of his own letter to General Washington which are as follow : AD VERTISEMEJTT. The following pages are taken from a pamphlet published iu Virginia, to prove the author's prior right of applying steam, to propel boats, &c. as well as to establish the prmciples on which he has done it, a few copies were then thought sufficient for thai VOL. ij. 68 1074 EARLY BTEAM purpose, bu( as M' Fitch intends to answer the pamphlet, it is therefore necessary to republish as much of it as respects Fitcli, which is (lone with no other variation, from the original, than to correct a few of the omissions and mivstakes that were introduced into the first publication, from the hurry in which it was done, (as the author at the time could not attend the press) and was circulated with an apology annexed to the postscript, for the imper- fection of the impressions ; of these corrections, perhaps Fitch may take some notice, if he should, such part of the old pamphlet shall be reprinted (verbatim) to convince the Public that the subject has not been varied ; but a httle better explained. The sophistry in Fitch's reply (should it contain what hemforms me it does) is evidently calculated to make impressions, unfavourable of me, on the Public mind, and to wound the reputation of several respec- table 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 additional statement of facts, sup- ported by such respectable testimony, as will incontestibly prove the unjustifiable steps Fitch has taken, to deprive the author of his discoveries, and to injure the reputation of sundry gentlemen. N°. 19 is added to this publication ; it is part of a letter wrote by the editor to his excellency General Washington, dated the 10th. of March 1785, which will show that the editor had fixed on a method of applying steam to propel 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 possible he should have the prior right to this discovery ? if it is asked who made the most promising experiment ? it would be found that my expe- riments two years smce exceed the best he has ever made ; must I then be deprived of my discoveries, which are substantial, because I endeavored to keep them secret until perfected ? justice Avill never suffer it, I therefore with the greatest confidence look up to my countrymen for their support according to the merits of my cause, and have the honor of subscribing myself their most devoted humble servant jmES RUMvSKY. Philadelphia, May 7, 1788. ^ NAVIGATION. 1075 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, r.nd that appears to be mere ideal estimation. In my boat, by the same force applied, I let out three miles and a quarter per hour by the log line. This is departing from the merits of the dispute, but to convmce the public of his assertion on this head being absurd, I shall introduce certificates N^". 24, 25, 26. As to his request of suspending the public opinion, I rest my cause on sohd and fair conclusions drawn from his pamphlet, a very safe and candid judgment may be formed of the merits^ of M^. Rumsey's pretentions, it being evident that all his ftilse assertions and false datings will never prove that two and two are not four. N^'. 24. These may certify, that the subscriber has frequently seen Fitch's Steam boat, which with great, labour and perseverance he has at length compleated and has likewise been on board when the boat Avas worked against both wind and tide, with a very considerable degree of velocity by the force of Steam only. M'. Fitch's merit in constructing a good Steam-engine and applying it to so useful a purpose will no doubt meet witli the encouragement he so justly deserves from the generosity of his countrymen, especially those who wish to promote every improvement of the useful arts in America. DAVID RITTENHOUSE. Philadelphia, Dec\ 12M, 1787. No. 26. Having also seen the boat urged by the force of Steam and having been on board of it when in motion, I concur in the above cpinion of M^. Fitch's merits. JOHN EWING No, 26. From the well known force of Steam. I was one of the first of ' those wlio encouraged M^. Fitch to reduce his theory of a Steam- 1076 lilARLY STEAM boat, to practice, in which he has succeeded far beyond my expec- tations. I am now fully of opinion that Steam-boats may be made to answer valuable purposes m facihtating the internal navigation of the United States, and that 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 \Wi 1787. Co-py of M\ Runisey's Ertract JV*. 19. The foliovring is part of a letter, wrote by the editor, to his Excellency General Washington, dated the 10th. of March 1785. 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, upon 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 than the otlier way, but, when in use, will be more manageable, and can be worked with as few hands ; the power is immense — and I liave quite convinced myself that boats of passage may be made to go against the current of the Mississippi or Ohio rivers, or in the Gulf Stream (from the Leeward to the Windward-Islands) from sixty to one hundred miles per day. I know this will appear strange and improbable to many persons, yet I am very certain it may be performed, besides, it is simple (when understood) and is also strictly Philosophical 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 would be kind enough to see them make actual performances, I should not doubt but the assemblies would allow me something handsome, which would be more advantageous to the public than to give me the exclusive right of usmg them." * There wer« cwo boats connected, in the Model I exhibited at Bath in Sep- tember 1787, which is the rea.son I speak of boats in the plural, a& experimen had convinced me that a single boat ^ouJU not Kuccecd on that principle. NAVIGATION. 1077 As to the extract of his letter to General Washington of the tenth of March 1785j it is nothing more than a declaration that he intended something ; — that even if it was steam he meant to make use of, it was a profound secret which he was then cautious not to explain. But let us take a view of this letter and I have no doubt but from the very wording of it, it will very clearly appear, that the utility of steam (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, should compleat a steam boat before him shews indubitably that he conceived it as an agent at a great distance from him and upon which he had no reliance or from which the public could then expect no advantage, and indeed I am confident that his ideas ol a steam engine, (if any he had, which I much doubt) were very inferior to Messrs. Henry's, Ellicotts, Paine's &c. in the year 1778. but as no publication to the world took place by them, they are candid enough not to claim it as an invention of theirs. But should 1 even go so far as to admit he had thoughts of applying steam, and that he intended exhibiting a steam-boat to General Washington, it was nothing more than an invention he held in secret, on the 10th. of March 1785, and even by his declarations to Governor Johnson, if they were as early as October or Novem- ber, 1785, he kept it then a secret — nothing was imparted to the Public, therefore nothing due from them. 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 also other of the United States, will j>ay equal regard to justice and policy. N B. As the application of steam to vessels will undoubtedly claim the early attention of the world, as the least expensive and safest mode of navigation, — I doubt not but the impartial public will yet, with pleasure, secure me in those rights, for which secu- rity, had I apphed on the first exhibition of my scheme, would have been granted without murmur or delay ; but as a confidence 1078 earCy steam in the honor of my country, and a want of finance, were th'en the preventatives, the delay certainly will not now operate against me; as the utility of the invention more clearly appears, and thereby the attention of my country more reasonably claimed. The following' certificates were omitted in their proper places. No. 1 I do certify that I was returning with John Fitch from Ncsha,- many 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 idea of a steam-boat struck his mind. JAMES OGILBEE NO. 2 ' An extract of a letter from James Scout. You are desirous of knowing from me when the first thought of a steam boat came in your head ; this I cannot tell, but this you told me, that m the month of April, 1785, you, was travelling down Street road in company M"" James Ogilbee and Sinton passing you on Street road, that then the first thought occurred to you of a Steam-boat, and the month of May or June following you shew^ed me a plan of your machine on paper, this truth I shal. seek no further testimony to support ; 'tis too generally known ; let them that doubt it come and hear more from Your humble Servant, April mh. 1788 SAMES SCOUT No. 5 This is to certify, that John Fitch called upon William Henry, Esquire, my late husband in his life time, about two years and a half since, ^yhen M"" Fitch shewed to him drafts 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 he hac proposed laying a model of a machine, for that purpose, before US Philosophical Society long before M"" Fitch called upon him. Witness my hand, this 12th. day of May, 1788. Test. ANN HENKY. Jno. Jos. Henry. Fims. KAVIGATION. 1079 [N, Y". Assemblj Papers.] Philadelphia October 18th 1788. No 1 We whose names are hereunto subscribed do certify that we lave been in John Fitch's Steam boat of 60 feet in length in the River Delaware when the said boat was propelled through the water with a considerable degree of velocity regularly & uniformly without any manual Labor, by the force of Steam and We are Clearly of opinion that the Rivers of America may be navigated oy the means of Steam Boats and that the present Boat would be »ery useful on the Western waters. John Ewing James Huchensou Robt Patterson T. Y. Matlack Andrew EUicott Chas» Pettit John Smilie J. B. Smith David Redick Dav^ Rittenhouse Kg 2 This may Certify that on the twelfth ir-stant we the Subscribers tyeni 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 mmutes, there being upwards of thirty passengers on Board, and that said Boat was propelled thro' the water entirely by the force of Steam; and from our own observations we are of opinion that the discovery which M'' Fitch has made may be of much service to inland Kavigaticn John Poor Philadelphia Oct^, 18*^ 1788 John Ely. No. 3. On the 16^. Inst*, I was on board M^. Fitch's Steam Boat m lie River Delawar saw it perform, and I do Certify that it was impelled by the force of steam at the rate of at least four miles «ai hour against the strength of tide and am fully convinced the fcrce applied to that boat, would be sufficient to carry it against tie most rapid waters, between the mouth of French Creek on the iLilegany & the Mouth of Muskingum on the Ohio, and that on an 1080 EARLY STKAM overaj^c \i would carry it between Three and four miles an bo^ir r»n any of the Western Waters. Jon^. Heart Cap*, Philadelphia 18^. Oct'. 1788. 1 U. S. Regt. No. 4. This may certify that I the Subscriber was one of the Committee Tippointed in March 1786 by the General Assembly of this state, on the petitions of John Fitch and Arthur Donaldson respecting their 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 forcing it out abaft as a means of propelling a Vessel forward. The Committee having fully heard the petitioners and afterwards viewed M*" Fitch's model of an invention for moving a boat by means of a Steam Engine, agreed to make a report to the House in his favour. ^ James Irvine. Philadelphia Aug* 7^^ 1788 No. 6. M"^ Fitch in his explanation of this draft, to me, before he pre sented it to the Philosophical Society, mentioned that his intention of conveying the waters from his forcing pump in a Tube that passed thro' the fire, was that it might thereby be set a boiling before it entered in the receiver, lest the cold water mixing with the boiling water in the receiver should impede the generation of the Steam — Indorsed John Ewing. Presented to the Society Sept. 27^ 1785 R. Patterson Sec'y No. 6. I William Cavenagh notary and Tabellion public in and for the Commoiiwealth of Pennsylvania by Lawful Authority duly admitteci * NAVIGATION lOSl an;l sworn dwelling in the City of Philladelphia in the said Commonwealth Do hereby Certify and attest unto all whom it floth or may Concern That the aforegoing writings from 1, to 5 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 1 have Carefully Compared the said Copies with their respective Origmals and do find them exactly to agree with each other. And I do hereby further Certify that the several Gentlemen who have signed and Subscribed their names to the said Certificates now are, or heretofore have been in the posts, Trusts or employments hereinafter following their respective names viz* John Ewing Provost of the University and vice Dresident of the Philosophical Society. — Robert Patterson professor of Mathamatics and natural Philo- f phy — and one of the Secretaries of the Philosophical Society. Andrew Ellicott professor of Mathamaticks and Astronomy in the Episcopal Accad'y — John Smilee (present) member of the Honrt'^^ the supreme Executive Council for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, David Redick, Vice President of the S. E. Council 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 aforesaid. Jonathan Bayard Smith (late) prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas for the City k County of Philadelphia. David Rittenhouse Treasurer for the Commonwealth aforesaid, John Poor, Teacher of the young Ladies Accd'y — John Ely, Teacher of Arch Street School — Jonathan Heart Captain of the first United States, Reg^ In Testimony whereof I the said notary have hereunto* set my hand affixed my seal of Office of notary at Philadel- phia aforesaid the twelfth day of December in the year of cur liOrd one thousand seven hundred and Eighty eight W"' Cavenough, Notary PubHc &c 1788 10S2 ISAKLY STEAM To the Honorable the Representatives for the Common^eallV of Pennsylvania The petition of John Fitch of the city of PhLddelphia humbly Shcweth That he hath this morning seen with surprise in the public papers, that a petition has been presented to your honorable body by James Ramsey praying you to grant him an exclusive right to the use of Steam boats, the very right which by special Act of Assembly passed the 28**^ of March 1787, is vested in your petitioner, who is confident he need do no more than remind the Honorable House that such a law exists, when he conceives it will be even unnecessary to pray that you will not grant that to another which has already been granted to him — Justice, Honor and dangerous president forbid the depriving an honest citizen of the fruits of his dear earned labour and to whom the faith of the government has been so solemnly pledged — the very attempt to draw the .House into such a measure, is your petitioner conceives offering them the greatest indignity — Your petitioner's property in the exclusive right to all Steam boats in the State of Pennsylvania is as firmly established in him as the right of any man in the state to his House or his. Farm he therefore trusts that Honor of the House to protect him from so cruelly an intended injury — and your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray. ' John Fitch. Philad^^ September 6*^^ 1788. 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 Pen.nsylvania The petition of Henry Voight of the city of Phiadelphla, humbly sheweth. That your petitioner has long turned his attention to improve-» ments in mechanics and he presumes was not an unuseful Citizen during the war as his various manufacturing machines will evince Since the building of Fitch's Steam boat your petitioner has been much consulted, employed and part interested in its com- pletion , That during the many experiments and consultations about KAVIGATION. 1083 the best mode of constructing an engine on board a boat your petitioner foresaw the great inconvenience of the usual mode of boiling water and amongst a number of other projects your petitioner conceived that water might be boiled in a.pipt, a drawing of which he made in the spring of 1786 and in June showed it to Timothy Matlack Esq"" & John Nacarrow both of them Gentle- men of great mechanical knowledge from whom he hath obtained Certificates but Fitch was advised not to go out of the old way. The attempt therefore first made on the Steam boat was with the accustomed heavy boiler which so loaded the boat that Mr. 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 beat working with it exactly on the principles and form exhibited to M*^ Matlack and M"^ Nacarrow — Your petitioner hearmg that a M^ Rumsey was to come to town and that he pretended to the exclusive right to a Pipe boiler your petitioner made an entry of his said boiler with the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the city of Philadelphia being told the copy rights of books were there entered and he conjectured such entry in a public office might secure to him in Pennsylvania the exclusive right to the same as death in such case would not deprive the public of the discovery. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays your honorable House will be pleased to grant to him and his Heirs the exclusive right to the emoluments of the same for the term of fourteen years* or such term as the honorable House may think it deserves — and your petitioner as in duty bound &c, Phiian-'*, September 6^^. 1788 Henry Voight. A true Copy from the Original J Shallus Asst Clk of the Gen^. Assembly. The committee to whom was referred the petition of Jamt^ 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 unani- mously of opinion that the law which grants to John Fitch an exclusive Right to ail Boats propelled by Fire and Steam, hath not only secured unto him his Heirs &c. the exclusiYe right to the 1084 KARLY STEAM method he had then invented for the purpose of applying the powers of Fire or Steam in order to propel Boats, but also what- soever improvements he may make himself or obtain from others during the time limited by said Law. 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 spent much labour and money for which they are not yet reimbursed — and notwith- standing 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 grants ought never to be done unless upon the most pressing necessity. Your Committee therefore beg leave to offer the following resolutions, viz. Resolved that the prayer of the petition of James Rumsey be granted, excepting so far as it respects the propelling of Boats by the force of Fire or Steam. Resolved that the prayer of the petition of Henry Voight cannot be granted. The above is a true Copy of the original report remaining on the files of the General Assembly. J. Shallus Asst Clerk. Philadelphia 13th. December 1788. Honoured Sir : As it is so very inconvenient for me to attend your Assembly this Session to answer the repeated vexatious Claims of James Rumsey I have taken the Liberty to enclose to you a petition to your Honorable House, several Certificates, a Pamphlet, a Report of the Committee of Pennsylvania &c all which I pray you to lay before your Honorable House. 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 he pretends to have [done so] therefore I hope your House will not [conceive his words] to convey more than the very expression itself [and that they| may not be construed instead NAVIGATION. 1085 of an improTement that they shall convey the Idea that 1 am indebted to him for the invention. I am hardly let in a belief that your Honorable House will take up his Petition but refer it over to Congress, yet should they do it, r pray that I may be notified of it. I also pray you Sir as soon as this shall come to hand to let have information by Post otherwise for fear of miscarriage in a reasonable lime 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 u^osi devoted much obliged and very humble Servant • John Fitch. To the Honourable the Speaker of the Assembly of New York. Endorsed., John Fitch Papers and certificates relative to his steam Boat, Addressed, Hon'ble Speaker of the General Assembly of the State of New York at Albany. This may certify that I have been made acquainted with M*^ John Fitch's plan of Propelling vessels thro' the water by the force of steam and if it should answ^er in practice as well as in theory I am of opinion that it promises success and deserves the notice of the Legislature. Christopher Colics. New- York February 22^. 1787. 10S6 EARLY STEAM State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly Friday September 8*^. 1786 A. M. 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 navigating on the river- Delaware ; but which from the narrowness of his funds he shall not be able to compleat without some public assistance. The committee conceiving the design, if executed will be of considerable public utility recommend the following resolution : Resolved that a committee be appointed to bring in a Bill to authorise the supreme executive council to direct payment of John Fitch's drafts to any amount not exceeding in the whole the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, on proof made to them that the money so drawn for has been applied to the purpose of complea- ting his steam-boat, they taking his security for repayment thereof in twelve months. 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 demon- stration, yet your committee entertain no doubt of a full and effectual Completion thereof. In order, therefore to encourage a further improvement in so useful an Art propose the following resolution. Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to bring m a BiU agreeably to the prayer of bis petition. The above is a true copy of the original remaining on the files NAVIGATION. 1087 of the General Assembly and whereupon the Resolution of the House of the sixteenth of November last was founded, Philadel- phia February .20^1^ 1787. J, Shallus Ass* Clerk, of the Gen' Asseinbly. The Committee to whom was referred the petition of John Fitcb of Bucks county in PennsyJvania Report That having examined the certificates and other papers presented '.o your Committee by the said John .Fitch, they are of Opinion that in order to encourage a further Improvement in so useful an Art 'j 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 Stearn or Fire for a certain time, agreeable to the prayer of his petition. To the honorable the Legislature of the state of New- York in Senate and Assembly convened. The petition of John Fitch of Bucks county in the state of Pensylvania humbly sheweth. That your petiiioner has lately invented a method of propelling vessels through the water by the force of steam which he flatters himself is red^iced to a moral certainty and will be a very great improvement on navigation and that he has a boat nearly completed to navigate on the river Delaware by the agency thereof. 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 public 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 not only to the force of steam but the strength of a horse or any othjer power to equally as goovd advantage as men with oars whereby mland navigation must be benefited nearly as much as the labour of horses is cheaper than the labour of men. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your honourable body will take into their consideration said improvements, and grant your petitioner such 1088 EARlvY STEAM encouragement as in their wisdom shall seem proper— And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray John Fitch New York February 21^^ 1787 Exldorsed, No, 147 A petition of John Fitch Praying an exclusive Privilege for a limited Time of constructing vessels to be propelled thro' the water by the force of steam. In Assembly February 1787 read and referred to M'" Sickles M'- Jones Sl Hamilton.. February 2r'i' 1787. M*" Sickles reported — see the Report annexed — a Bill was bjo'i in pursuant to the prayer of the petition, To the honourable the representatives of the state of Ncav York in General assembly met Gentleman whereas your petitioner has formed a plan for facili- tating 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 Combined Influences of Certain mechanical powers thereto appiy'd the distance of Between Twenty- five to forty miles per day against the Current of a rapid rivci notwithstanding the velocity of the water should move at the Rate of five miles per hour and upwards ; with the burthen of Ten tons on Board to be wrought at no greater Expense than that of three hands ; and as a premium for so useful an Invention your petitioner prays for an act to pass this honourable house of Assembly Granting to your .petitioner his heirs and assigns the sole and Exclusive right of Constructing navigaing and employing Boats Constructed after his new invented model upon each and every Creek, River, Bay Inlet & harbour within the Limits and Jurisdiction of this common- wealth, for and during the term of Ten years fully to be Compleated and ended to be Computed from the first day of January 1785 provided always that the Legislature of this Commonwealth may at any time abolish the Exclusive Right herein prayed for, by paying to your petitioner his heirs or assigns the sum of ten thousand pounds in gold or silver & your petitioner as in duty bound shall pray , James Rumsey. Endorsed., James B.amserfjh Petitim to the Staie of Mew York NAVIGAflON. 1089 5EN^. WASHINGTON'S OPINION OF M^. EMSEY^S IMYENTION. 1 have seen the model of Rumsey's Boats, Constructed to work agamst 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 faith before) at he has discovered the art of working Boats by mechanism and small manual assistance against Rapid Currents; that the Discovery is of vast Importance ; may be of the greatest usefulness in our Inland navigation ; and if it succeeds of which I have no doubt that the value of it is greatly enhanced by the simphcity of the works ; which when seen and explained to may be executed by the most Common mechanic. Given under my hand at the Town of Bath, County of Berkely in the State of Virginia this 7*^* of Sepf^ 1784 Go. Washington. A true Coppy Compared with the org^ New York Dec^ 3, 1784 — I do certify that I have seen the original, of which the within is a copy, and believe the whole to have been writen by General Washington with whose handwriting I am perfectly acquainted- Ben Walker formerly aid De Endorsed Camp to his Excell'y A copy of Gen Washington's Gen^ Washington voucher. Philad* Dec^ 9ti» 1788 Sir I think it proper to inform you that I am about to set off for Albany where I propose to be on the 15*** ins' in Order to present a Petition to the Legislature of the State of New York in Behalf of M"^ James Rumsey praying a grant of the exclusive Privilege of constructing and using within that state his model of propelling Vessels by the Force of Steam & the Boilers by him invented for generating Steam, in Order that you may be heard if you think proper to attend — yours &c Joseph Barnes M*^ John Fitch attorney for James Rumsey VOL. II. 69 1090 EAULY BTHAJVI On the tenth day of December Anno Domini one thousand seven hondred 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 being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and say That on the day of the date hereof at the request of Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey he went to the dwelling or Lodging of Mr John Fitch and in presence of Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey as aforesaid delivered to the said John Fitch a true copy of the paper writing contained on the other side hereof and further saith not George Kemp Sworn as above before me Quod attestor Clement Biddle Not Pub & J. C. c.P. 1788. Rjchmond November Hth 1784 Virginia To all whom it may concern I do hereby certify 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 any time be abolished by the Legislature of this Commonwealth upon the payment unto the said Rumsey his Heirs or assigns the sum of Ten thousand Pounds in Gold or silver, and that the said Bill is to be sent up to the Senate for their concurrence as soon as they shall have formed a*House. Jn^ Tyler, S. H. D. New York ss : James M^Mechen of Berkeley County in Virginia being duly sworn on the Holy evangehsts deposeth and saith that the above is NAVIGATION. 1091 a true Copy of a certificate in his possession subscribed with the name of John 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 s*aid Certificate was delivered to the Deponent by the said James Rumscy therein named at the City of Richmond in Virginia at which time and place several of the Gentlemen of the House of Delegates were present and did see and read the said Certificate — and further the Deponent saith not. James M^Mechen Sworn the third day of Dec^ 1784 before me John McKesson Not« Pub. To the honourable the Legislature of the State of New York m Senate and Assembly convened The Petition of James Rumsey of Berkeley County in the State of Virginia by Joseph Barnes at present of the City of Philadelphia his attorney for the special Purpose duly constituted Most respectfully sheweth Tliat 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 Draft or Specification of which Invention with an Explanation of its Use is ready to be delivered to this Honble House & to be filed on Record in any public Office which they may think most proper to preserve the same ; Tour Petitioner therefore prays that this Honble House will be pleased to give him Leave to introduce a Bill to be enacted into a Law granting & securing to your Petitioner his Executors Adminis- trators and Assigns the Exclusive right and Privilege of making consti'ucting and using machines for raising Water for all. Purposes v^hatsoeve'r by the Action of Steam applied to two Pistons at the 1092 EARLY STEAM same time, in the manner and upon the principles by him invented Sl defined in the said Draft Explanation and Specification. And your Petitioner &ca James Rumsey, • By Joseph Barns. his attorney. Endorsed, No. 62. 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 steam) for all purposes whatever. In Assembly December 23^ 1788. Read and Referred to M*^ G Livingston Mr. Havens and Van Cortlandt The Committee to whom were referred the Petition of James Rumsey setting forth that he hath invented a new method of pro pelling Boats by Steam, and hath made improvements in divers Engines and Machines and Praying for an exclusive Right to the same for a limited time, and the Petition of John Fitch praying that the Prayer of the Petition of the said James Rumsey may not be granted ; and the Petition of John Stevens setting forth that he *iath invented a method of propelhng Boats by steam that he does not interfere with the pretensions of either the said James Rumsey or John Fitch — Report That they have examined the Petitions of the said James Rumsey and John Fitch with 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 act securing to John Fitch the exclusive Right of propelling Boats by the force of Fire or steam for a limited time, is conceived in such general terms that it would be improper to vacate any part of the said grant without giving both the Parties a hearing; but the Committee are further of opinion that nothing in the said Act securing to John Fitch tlie exclusive Right of propelling Boats by Fire or Steam can be construed to prevent the Legislature frorn securirfg to James Rumsey for a limited time the exclusive right of generating Kteam f KAVIGATIOW. 1093 by his new invented method of a Pipe Boiler, and further that they have examined the Petition of John Stevens and the Draughts accompanying the same and are of Opinion that the method pro- posed by him for propelling boats by steam does not materially dilfer in its principles from the mode proposed by James Rumsey and that he stands in the same situation with respect to John Fitch as the said James Rumsey and further that the committee have prepared the draught of a Bill securing to James Rumsey the exclusive right to his inventions for a limited time which they have directed their Chairman to report to the House To the honourable the Legislative Council and General Assembly of the state of New York The Petition of John Fitch of the City of Philadelphia humbly sheweth That your Petitioner received notice on the 10^^ of this Ins^from Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey, that he was about to petition your honourable House for an exclusive right to a Steam Boat and a ^Pipe Boiler. 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 propel- ling 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 James Rumsey had made application with a view of destroying the Right of your Petitioner, under the pretence of using a different mode in application of Steam to the propelling of Boats and also under a pretence of an invention of boiling water in a pipe for the purpose of creating Steamy which idea of boiling in a Pipe was by your Petitioner laid before the Philosophical Society in Philadelphia some months before the time assumM by the said Rumsey, as the period of his first invention, and that the mode of propelling by forcing water out abaft, which he claims as his invention, was published by Mons. Bernoulli in the year 1738, consequently was open to common use, and thereby included in the Law to your Petitioner. 1094 EARLY STEAM Your Petitioner hath succesefully 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 annex herewith. Since which he has made two fruitless attempts to destroy my just and legal Rights in the state of Delaware and New Jersey ; In Virginia your petitioner hath also obtained an exclusive. Right being the State in which said Rumsey resided, without the least opposition from him or any of his friends, notwithstanding from my first petitioning that Assembly, to obtaining the Law was more than one Year and Eleven Months, your Petitioner hath not hitherto been informed whether he has made application in that State or not, but doubts not from the justness and stability of that honourable Body that they will not take his just Rights from him without hearing the defence of your Petitioner. Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays, that in case a Petition should be presented by the said attorney, which may interfere with your Petitioner's Rights, either in the Steam Boat or the Pipe Boiler, so long in use in your Petitioners Boat on the River Delaware and a Machine necessary for the completion of that design for which your Law was given, he humbly prays to be heard in the defence of his Rights, Your petitioner is perfectly willing to rest the justice of his claim, either before your honourable House or before the New Congress, if your honourable House should judge it most expedient to refer the same to them. Your Petitioner begs leave to observe, that such repeated vexatious applications seem calculated to divert your Petitioner from pursuing the business of the Boat, or to promote a clashing of Laws among^st the different States, or to destroy his resources in defending his just Rights, and prevent l;iim from compleating the great undertaking he has now on hands. Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to represent, that he hath expended a great portion of his time, and a great sum of money in perfecting said Boat, in full confidence of enjoying an uninter-^ ' rupted possession of the several grants to him made. I NATATION. 1096 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 perform it, not only on account of the great expense but the infirmities of body occasioned by Rheumatick pains, and the great confidence reposed in your honourable Legislature of keeping inviolate the solemnity s of their Laws. However convenient it might be for me to attend, I am of opinion that it would be altogether unnecessary. But should your honorable House think proper to take up the business, I humbly pray that I may be seasonably notified by your honourable House for the defence of my just and Legal Rights, and that they may not b^ taken from me withc^ut the opportunity of being heard in my own defence. Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to refer your honourable House to the annexed Papers and Pamphlets, accompanying this And your Petitioner as in duty bound w ill ever pray JOHN FITCH. To the Honorable Legislature of the State of New-York in Senate and Assembly convened. The Petition of James Rumsey of Beiikely County, in THE State of Virginia, Most Respectfully Shewetk^ That your petitioner- has been several years employed, with unremitted attention, and at a great expense, in invei^ting, and bringing to perfection, sundr)'^ machines and engines ; namely, one for propelling boats on the water, 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 principles, for raising water at a small expence, to be applied to the working of mills of different kinds, as well as to various useful purposes in agriculture; a new invented boiler for generating steam ; &nd also other machines, by means of which Grist and Saw Mills may be 30 improved in their construction, by a very 1096 E1ARLY^«TEAM cheap, and simple machine, as to require the application of much less water, than is necessary in the common mode. Your petitioner humbly conceives, that advantages of great importance to the agriculture and mercantile interests of the United States, may be derived from the use and employment, therein, of the before mentioned engines and machines ; but he begs leave to represent to the honorable Legislature, that, without some encouragement and support from the government, he will not be enabled to prosecute his discoverys, and to carry his aforesaid inventions and improvements into execution ; whereby the public would be deprived of the benefits that might result from them ; and your petitioner greatly injured, by the sacrifices he has made of his time and property. Your petitioner deems it unnecessary, in this stage of his application to your honorable body, to enter into a detail of the nature and principles of the improvements, to w^hich his present petition relates : He therefore takes the liberty of referring to the printed papers, herewith presented, for further information on the subject, and he flatters himself, that on mature consideration, your honorable body will be fully satisfied, both of the practicability of his plans, and of their importance, as an object of great public utility — Under this impression, he respectfully solicits the patronage of the Legislature of this state. Your Petitioner therefore prays, that the honorable Legislature, as the guardians and trustees of the public prosperity, will be pleased to enact a law, granting as a reward for his before men- tioned inventions and improvements, an exclusive right to him, his executors, administrators and assigns, of constructing, navigating and employing, for a certain term of years, within this state, the several boats, engines, and machines, by him invented and improved. And your petitioner humbly submits to the judgement of this house .whether in consideration of the great expencehe 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. 109T mighi afford him an honorable corapensationj proportioned to his services. JAMES RUMSEY. Endorsed, 1788 James Rumsey's Petition - . In Assembly Dec. 18^^ 1788 Read & Referred with the Pamphlet & papers attending the same to G. Livingston M*". Havens & . Van Cortlandt Extract of the printed minutes of the Assembly of the state of Virginia — Saturday Nov^ 15'" 1788. A petition of James Rurasey^ 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 ^vater by the power of steam ;. for which an exclusive priviledge was granted by an act of the last assembly to a certain John Fitch, that he is well prepared to prove his prior claim to the said discovery, as also to manifest the advantages thereof, and praying that the act in favour of the said John Fitch, may be repealed. Ordered that the said petition be referred to M*" Trage, M*^ Henryj Randolph, M' Carlins, M-^ Bland, M' White, M"" David Stuart, M^. Carrington and M*'. King, that they do examme the matter thereof & report the same with their opinion thereupon to the House." Thursday the 20*^ of November, 1788 "The speaker laid before the house a letter and petition of John Fitch, praying that he may still enjoy the exclusive priviledge of conducting steamboats within this state, which was granted to him, by an Act of the last session of Assembly ; and, that all attempts to interfere with this right, may be disregarded ; which was read and ordered to referred, to the committee to whom the petition of James Rumsey was referred." Fiyday the Sl^t of November 1788.— « David Stuart reported from the committee to whom the^ 1098 EAJBLLY STKAJW petitions of James Rumsey and John Fitch were committed, thai the committee had according to order, had the same under their consideration, and had agreed upon a report, and came to several resolutions thereupon, which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered in at the clerks table, when the same were again twice read, and agreed to by the house as foUoweth "Whereas James Rumsey hath complained to the Genera] Assembly, that the exclusive priviledge granted to John Fitch, by the Act intituled " An Act Granting to John Fitch the exclusive privilege of constructing and navigating boats impelled by lire or steam for a limited time," hath been obtained to the injury of hira the said James Rumsey, upon a misrepresentation, that the said John Fitch was the origiaal author of the invention therein mentioned. 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 be 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 John Fitch the exclusive privilege of constructing and navigating boats impelled by fire or steam, for a limited time'^ ought to be repealed. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That the petition of the said John Fitch, in opposition thereto be rejected. Ordered that a Bill or Bills be brought in, pursuant to the las* resolution, and that the said Committee, do prepare and bring in the same,'' A true extract from the minutes examined By Gilbert Livingstone 11th. February 1789— Albany. Endorsed, Extract from the minutes of the House of Assembly of Virginia on the Petition &c. of Jam^s Rumsey. NAVIGATION. 1090 An ACT /or vesting in JAMES RUMSEYj Esguirtj the exclusive right and privilege of mahmg^ using and vending divers engines^ machines and devices^ by him invented^ or improt>ed^ for a term -of years therein mentioned. Whereas James Rumsey, of Berkeley coimtyj 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 ex- periments, hath demonstrated the practicability and utility thereof, and hath in the office of plans of the said several inven- tions and improvements, with explanations thereof, in order parti- cularly to designate and distinguish them from other engines, machines, and devices heretofore used for purposes somewhat similar. Which engines, machines and devices, are called by the following names, and known by the following distinguishing char- acters, viz. RuMSE¥'s Pipe Boiler, for the more ample and easy generating of steam, by passing a small quantity of water through an incur- vated tube, placed in a furnace, whereby the action of fire is communicated to.-the water and steam in all its passage from the entrance to the exit, and which kind of boiler c^n be easily adapted to every species of fire or steam engines. Rumsey's Steam Boat, a practical mode of propelling vessels by means of the reaction of a stream of water, forced by the agency of steam through a trunk or cylinder, parallel to the keel, out at the stern, RuMSEY's iMPROVEMEjrr UpoN Savery's MAC^iI^■E, 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. RuMSEv's Improvement Upon Doctor Barker's Mill, a mode by which millstoBes and other machinery, requiring a circular or retrograde motion, may be turned by or worked with a smaller quantity of water tlian by any plan yet exhibited to the public, aild entirely free from the difficulties which prevented Doctor Barker's invention from coming into use. Rumsey's Cylindric Saw Mill, or a mode by which mill sa\vs and all other miichinery, requiring an alternately opposite 1100 EARLY STEAM motiorij whether perpendicular or horizontal, may be worked without the loss of the weight or force of any part of the water used. And Whereas it is highly proper, that ingenious men who by their labours and study contrive and invent improvements in arts and sciences, should be rewarded by the community, in proportion to the advantages resulting from the usefulness of their inventions; and as the most proper mode of ascertaining the utility of any new invention or improvement, must be experience ; and as the exclusive right and privilege of making, using, and vending to others, such newly invented engines, machines and inventions, is not only the most cheap and frugal, but the most certain w^ay of rewarding inventors according to their several merits, It 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 said Boiler for generating steam, so as aforesaid described, and called Rumsey's Pipe Boiler ; the said Steam Boat to be propelled through the water, by means of the re-action of a stream of water forced by steam through a trunk or cylinder from the stern of the boat, against the surrounding water, so as aforesaid described, and called Rumsey's Steam Boat ; the said improve- ment of Savery's Engine, for raising water for the turning of mills, or for agricultural or other purposes so as aforesaid described, and called Rumsey's improvement upon Savery's machine, or Steam Engine ; the said mode for turning mill stones, and other machinery requiring a circular or retrograde motion, called . Rumsey's improvement upon Doctor Barker's mill, and the said mode of working saw-mills, and other machines requiring an alternately opposite motion, perpendicular or horizontal, called Rumsey's Saw Mill ; all which engines, machines and devices, are more particularly defined and described in the said plans, and explanations so as aforCvSaid filed of record in the office of and to which definitions and descriptions, for farther certainty, this act particularly refers. NAVIGATION. noj jirid it is hereby further enacted by the authority aforesaid j that no person or persons whomsoever, shall make, use, or vend to others to be used, any or either of the inventions or improvements 80 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 whatsoever, formed or contrived upon the same principles therewith, although the form thereof may be varied, under the penalty of forfeiting to the said James Rumsey, his executors, administrators or assigns, the sum of lawful money of this state ; and moreover forfeiting to him and them, all and every such engine, machine and device, so as aforesaid to be contrived, made, used or vended within this state 'j the said penalty to be recovered by action of debt, founded upon this act, wherein no essoine, protection or wager of law, nor more than one imparlance, shall be allowed, 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 prostrated, destroyed and rendered useless, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the sole and exclusive right and privilege for making, using and vend- ing the engines, machines and devices aforesaid, by this act granted to the said James Rumsey, his executors, administrators and assigns, shall continue for the terra of years from the time of passing this act, and no longer : And that all actions to him or them accrued, or accruing within the said term, shall remain in full force during and after the expiration of this act Endorsed, Act for vesting in James Rumsey &c &c. 1102 EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION. To the Honourable the Legislature of the Statt of New-York in Senate and Assembly convened The Petition of John Stevens Jun'" of Hoboken in the State of New Jersey. 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 has 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 alto- gether new or at least does not interfere with the Inventions of either of the Gentlemen who have applied to your honourable Body for an exclusive Right of navigating by means of Steam. That your Petitioner has made an exact Draught of the different Parts of his machines, which with 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 prays That in case his machine should appear to be a new and useful Invention, That the Honble the Legislature would be pleased to grant to him an exclusive privilege and Right of using the same for the purposes of navigation throughout the State of New-York for such term of V^ears as shall seem meet Ajid your Petitioner shall ever pray presented— "9 January 178P John Stevens Jud^ PAPERS K«I*ATlWO TO -fork DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY BETWEEN ALBANY & NIAGARA IN 1792. [1 Mass. Hist. Coll. 1.} I am just returned from Niagara, about 560 mites west of Boston. 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 Gohoes ; but this I take to be- the Indian name for Falls : Its chief business is to receive the merchandize from Albany, and put it into batteaux, to go up the river, and forward to Albany Such produce of the back country as is sent to market. After leaving Schenectada, I travelled over a most beautiful country of eighty miles to Fort Schuyler, where I forded the Mohawk : This extent was the scene of British and Savage cruelty, during the late war, and they did not cease, while anything remained to destroy. What a contrast now ! every house and barn rebuilt, the pastures crowded with cattle. Sheep, &c and the lap of Ceres full. 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 hearing the relation of events in the western countryj that the whole was fable ; and if you were placed in Whitestown, or Clinton, ten miles west from Fort Schuyler, and see the pro- gress of improvement, you would believe it enchanted ground. You would there view an extensive well built town, surrounded by highly cultivated fields, which Spot in the year 17£*3 was ih& voL„ II. 70 1106 PAPERS RELATING TO " haunt of tribes^' and the hiding place of wolves, now a flourishing happy Situation, conl^aining about Six thousand people— Clinton stands a little South of Whitestown, and is a very large thriving town. 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 went on to Onondaga, leaving the Oneida lake on the right, and the Onondaga lake on the left, each a few miles distant. I slept at Onondaga, at the house of a Mr. , who is employed in boiling down the waters of the Salt springs, which are about 7 miles north of his house, for supplying the country with Salt — he told me that he made about fifty bushels per week, which he sold at five shillings per bushel, but that any quantity may be made, and at a less price; these springs are in the State reservation, and are a wonderful benefit .0 the country, every part of which is so united by lakes and rivers as to render the Supply of this bulky and necessary article very easy. Independent of our own Settlements, we can supply the British in the whole of Upper Canada. Thirty five miles from this place I struck the Cayuga j^Ke. 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 Lake, and then proceeds by Oswego into Ontario. On each side the Cayuga Lake is a ferry house and good attendance given. Twelve miles west of the Cayuga I struck the Canada Saga lake — no inhabitant upon this road — this lake is the handsomest piece of water I ever beheld ; its length and breadth nearly that of Cayuga, into which it empties. Upon a pretty slope, on the new part of the lake, stands a towm, called Geneva ; it has a fine effect from the opposite shore, but disappoints you when you arrive at it. It consists of about twenty log houses, three or four frame buildings, and as many idle persons as can live in them. Eighteen \VESTERN NEW-YORK. miles lower, on the same side of this lake stands the Friends' Settlement, founded by Jemima Wilkinson ; there are eighty fami- lies in it, each has a fine farm, and are quiet, moral, industrious people. 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, ^nd promises to be a very flour- ishing one ; there are now about thirty houses situated on a pleasant slope from the lake, and the adjacent farms are very thriving. The Indians are settled on all the reservations made by this state, and are to be met with at every settlement of whites, in quest of rum! From Canandaqua I trayelled about twenty six miles through a fine country, with many settlements forming ; this brought me to Genesee river. On this river a great many farms are laying out : sixty-five miles from its mouth is a town marked out by the name of Williamsburgh, and will in all probability be a place of much trade ; in the present situation of things it is remote, when considered in a commercial point of view ; but should the fort of Oswego be given up, and the lock navigation be completed, there will not be a carrying place between New-York and Williamsburgh. The present carrying places are as follow, viz. 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 main- taining several millions of people. The famous Genesee flats lie on the borders of Genesee river ; they are about twenty miles in length, and about four miles wide ; the Soil is remarkably rich, quite clear of trees, and producing grass near ten feet high. I estimate these flats to be well worth 200,0001. as they now lie. They are mostly the property of the Indians. Taking a view of this country altogether, I do not know such an extent of ground so good. Cultivation is easy, and the land is grateful. The progress of settlement is so rapid, that you and myself may very probably see the day when we can apply these lines to the Genesee coururv— 1108 PAPEKS RELATlNa TO *f Here happy millions their own lands potseM^ No tyrant awes thom» nor no lords oppress.** Many times did I break out in an enthusiastic frenzy> anticipat- ing the probable situation of this wilderness twenty years hence. All that leason can ask, may be obtained by the industrious hand, the only danger to be feared is, that luxuries will flow too cheap. After 1 had reached the Genesee river, curiosity led me on to Niagara, ninety miles — not one house or white man the whole way. The only direction I bad was an Indian path, which sometimes was doubtful. The first day I rode fifty miles, through swarms of musquetoes, gnats, beyond all description. At eight o'clock in the evening I reached an Indian town, called Tonnoraunto — it contains many hundreds of the Savages, who livc in very tolerable houses, which they make of timber and cover with bark. By signs I made them understand me, and for a little money they cut me limbs and bushes sufficient to erect a booth, under which I slept very quietly, on the grass. The next day I pursued my journey, nine miles of which lay through a very deep swamp ; with some difficulty I got through, and about sun-down arrived at the fort of Niagara : Here the centinel inquired from whence we came ; upon his being told, he called the sergeant of the day, who escorted us to the captain of the guard, he asked our names, (a Mr. , of , was w4th me) and said he supposed we came upon our private business &c — he gent us to the commandant who entered our names, and offered us a pass to go over to the British side, which we accepted. Quite fatigued we were happy to find a tavern, and something to eat ; a few hours sleep brought me again to myself, This fort is now garrisoned by the regiment, commanded formerly by Earl Piercey, and had the honour of dancing yankee doodle on the plains of Cambridge, 19th April 1775. The commander of the fort is a CoL Smith. The day after our arrival we crossed the river Erie to the town of Niagara where probably the British fort will be built, when the present one is given up. Vv^e met Col. B.J This is the man who did so much execution in the late war with the Indians, upon the Mohawk river, Schohary and Cherry Valley. We found him holding a council with a body of chiefs who were at Philadelphia I Qtt. Col. Butler ? 1109 in April last, mforming him what they had done there, A M' Johnson, some relation of the famous Sir John Johnson, interpreter to the Indians \\^s also present ; and I have no doubt remaining but they eflaced eTery 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 have all their clothing, cooking utensils, ammunition, &^ served almost as regularly as the troops in garrison ; if they want provisions, they get it free. Those tribes called the Six Nations we are at peace with, and take much pains to cultivate a good understanding, but we deceive ourselves. The old men, the women, and the children remain at home inactive, while all the young warriors join the fighting powers against us — -tins is all they could do, if w^e were at open war with them. An Indian becomes a miserable being when deprived of his hunting ground, and surrounded with cellars of rum or whiskey. The whole Six Nations live on grounds, called the State Reservations, and there are intermediate spaces settled on both sides by white people ; this has a tendency to drive off the game and if by chance they kill a bear, or a deer, his skin goes at once for rum ; in this way they are become poor enervate creatures. 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 w^arriors — 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 hold a council ; their object I was informed was to use theii' influence with the hostile tribes to make a peace. This will have no effect ! Power is the influence with Indians ; this alone will give us peace. I see some of the Indians who fought the battle at the Miami 5 and by an interpreter received a very tolerable account of the action ; they were of opinion that our troops did not do their duty. Col, Bo 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 ihe Commanders of the 1110 PAPERS RELATING TO garrisons, say Detroit, Niagara, to meet on the part of the British, to draw a line that shall be deemed right and reasonable between the Americans and Indians, and have the treaty guaranteed to the Indians by the British. I spurned at the idea, and told Col. Butler, that it was my wish, whenever America became so contemptible, that the whole country might be annihilated, I visited the great curiosity, the Falls, and must refer you to Mr. Ehcott's account of them in the Columbian Magazine for June 1790. I cannot help being of opinion that Indians, (or what are called Redmen,) never were intended to live in a state of civil society. There never was, I believe, an instance of an Indian forsaking his habits and savage manners, any more than a bear his ferocity. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, who acts as missionary among the Oneidas, has taken all the pains that man can take, but his whole flock are Indians still, and like the bear which you can muffle and lead out to dance to the sound of music, becomes again a bear when his muffler is removed and the music ceases. The Indians will attend public worship and sing extremely well, following Mr. 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 he before a hre. 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 com in its full ear," they become ripe for it in youth and often find it by the most disgraceful means. WESTERN NEW-YORK. nil THE GENESEE COUNTRY. An AccouNi OF the Soil, Growing Timber, and other produc- tions of the iands in the eountries situated in the back parts of the states of New- York and Pennsylvania, in North America ; and particularly the lands in the county of Ontario, known by the name of The Genesee Tract, lately located, and now in the progress of being settled. [Imlaj's Topog. Deacrip. of the Western Territory of N. America.] 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 from the state of Massachussets, in the year 1788. And this grant was afterwards confirmed by the six nations of Indians, who, on receiving a valuable consideration, alienated, the whole of this property, and soon after these nations removed themselves and families to a distant country. The south-east corner of this tract is in latitude 42^, longitude 82°; lying west from the river Delaware ; and 77 miles west from Philadelphia. The actual distance of the eastern boundary, from the Hudson's river.or Albany, is about 140 miles. From Philadelphia, by the ftearest road, the distance may be about 180 jniies ; and not mone than 200 miles north of the proposed new city of Columbia, the intended seat of government of the United States. But the peculiar advantages which distinguish these lands over most of the new settled countries of America, are these following: 1. The uncommon excellence and fertility of the soil. 2. The superior quality of the timber, and the advantages of easy culti- vation, 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,.hiccory, tlack wakut, chesnut, ash of different kinds., ehi), butternut 1115 PAPEBS asaLATma to bass\voo(l, poplar, pines, and also, thorn trees of a prodigiouB size, C. The variety of fiuit-trecs, and also smaller fruits, such as apple and peach orchardsjin different places, which were planted by the Indians, plum and cLerry-trecs, mulberries, grapes of different kinds, raspberries, huckle-berries, black-berries, wild goose-berries, and straw-berries in vast quantities ; — also cranberries, and black haws, &c. 7. The vast variety of wild animals and game which is to be found in this country, such as deer, moose deer, and elk cf a very large size, beavers, otters, martins, minxes, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, bears, wild-cats, &c., many of which furnish 'excellent furs and peltry. 8. The great variety of birds for game, such as wild -turkies, pheasants, partridges, pigeons, plovers, heath- fowl, and indian hen, together with a vast variety of water-fowl on the rivers, and lakes, such as wild geese and ducks, of many different kinds, not known in Europe, 9. The uncommon abun- dance of very fine fish, with which the lakes and rivers, abound ; among which are to be found excellent salmon of two different kinds, salmon-trout, of a very large size, white and yellow perch, sheep-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 where these lands are situated, which h less severe in winter, and not so warm in summer, as the same latitudes nearer the sea. — The total exemption from all periodical disorders, particularly the fever and ague, which does not prevail in the Genesee country, on account of the rising grounds and fine situations. 11. 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 oneway, orby the Seneca river another way into the great lake Ontario, and from thence by Cataraquijtn Quebec, orby the said Seneca river,the Oneida lake, and Wood creek, to Schenectady on the Mohawk river, with only a short land carriage, and from thence to Albany,with a portage of 16 miles ; affording also a water communication from almost every township of the southern part of the grant,.by means of the differ- ent branches of the Tioga river, which joming the Susquehanna affords an outlet to produce, through an immense extent of country on every handj to Northumberland, and all the towns upon the WSSTEFJM KKW-YOIIK. 1113 great braiKih of this riverj down to Maryland and Tirginia : and ("with a portage of 12 miles) even to Philadelphia with small boats | and when the im.prOTements are made in the Susquehannah, and the projected canal cut between the Schuylkill and that river ; there will be an uninterrupted good water communication for boats of 10 or 15 tons from the interior parts of the Genesee country, all the way to Philadelphia. 12. But aboTe 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 : which expectation is already completely evinced, from the rapid population that has taken place on the east bomidaries of the grant upon the Tioga river, and between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes, up to lake Ontario,* where, in the course of three or four years, above 800 families have fixed them- selves in this fertile country, most of whom having emigrated from the eastern states of New-England, New-York and Pennsylvania, have all the advantages which are to be derived from a perfect knowledge of the country, and from that kind of education and local resource, which soon renders the situation of a new settler comfort- able and happy, enabling them, at the same time, to assist new comers, who may be less acquainted with the nature of the country. As a proof the estimation in which the Genesee lands are held by the neighbouring inhabitants, it is only necessary to state the following facts, relative to the population soil, and produce Bl^, 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 particular tract, upwards of lOOOf people, in different townships, although * These lands are part of the tract of country which was grsinted to the officers and soldiers of the continental army, for military services. The soil is in general the same as the Genesee pre-emption: but they do not poseesa < equal advantages in being exempted from the land-taic for 15 years. These lands are not only subject to the us'jal taxes of the state, as soon as located,^ but settlements must be made^ and houses built, within a limited time^ other- wise they revert back to the state, I In 17M tbQ inhabitwita vtqtq «ix times that number,— IIdjt. 1114 PAPERS RELATING 1*0 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 which these settlers have estabhshed their farms, and fixed theii residence. Of this return the following is an exact copy. A rtturn of the settlers on the pre-emptim lands in the con-nty of Ontario^ December 1790. • v> a .- (■ Males jlVIales ■ a? 9) s No. of Total RANGES. 'Si above lunder a « o OA 9) Town- number S «i 16. 1,6. s « be > ' ships. f*i a CO In the 1st range , 10 22 11 26 No. 2 59 ditto 12 24 16 25 7 65 ditto 3 12 4 9 u 8 25 dittp 10 30 13 7 9 60 ditto 8 33 5 17 10 55 ditto 2 4 3 4 11 11 ..n the 2d range, 6 8 7 12 7 No. 1 34 ditto 5 9 7 9 2 25 ditto 1 1 2 6 5 9 ditto 7 20 9 9 8 38 ditto 6 12 1 10 13 ditto 2 4 1 11 5 In the 3d range, 18 70 8 20 1 No. 10 99 ditto 12 32 10 13 11 • 55 ditto 4 10 1 3 12 14 In the 4th range, 4 18 2 t> Q No. 8 20 ditto 3 7 4 2 9 13 ditto 10 38 6 20 1 10 66 ditto 4 ■ 13 2 4 1 11 20 In the 5th range, 1 2 No. 9 2 ditto 7 18 4 4 « 10 26 flitto 2 5 3 2 11 10 ditto 8 15 4 9 12 - 28 ditto 4 10 6 4 13 20 5th and 6th, 10 17 12 21 3 and 4 In the 6th range. 4 7 5 11 No. 10 23 ditto 9 26 12 18 11 56 ditto 1 3 4 12 8 In the 7th range, 1 1 3 1 No. 6 6 ditto 8 16 4 11 1 2 9 34 ditto 8 18 15 26 10 59 West of Genesee • 7 10 9 15 34 Indian lands oppo- site to No. 5, 8 & 9 in the 7th range, 4 8 6 17 201 523 192 318 1 . 2 11 1047* ♦By advices received in March 1793 the inhabitants had increased to 7000j and settlers were daily going on the lands. In two years hence, the Genessee lands may be estimated to contain 15,000.— Enrr. SuwMiTl b vin.i,,,- M'tf. E.tth square is mlled a rownslap 'fCMilfs s,f„iir Srcvntnins 23. 04C iu R^inr.mits r/i,- IhH iisliirs scM ,f .■ttlfmfiits iilmnlv iiinile- rr ililfhriil Townships Towttshifis sohi X' in tin- pn't/n'ss ' ht-mti s,-tf/i-t/. [n 17/1.1 X- 17;ii' riif .<:enlfrs ililf'nriit Tt'nu.vhifis tinwimted XI TJn- yimrs thr ^ltjjhmi}-J^ftmtains n iifvn the ihrrr finsl mnges , thf Uiub aiiHit hTl^dah with nch bottems Scimy he aiUiirated te .1 MAP o/t//,- GEXESEE LlANDS /// il^nxi^^- of OXTARTO ,///,/ 's-Xa^^ 1(30 4. The village of Cul'P'ers., near the head of Sennca lake (supposed to be, 70 5. Tiie village of Cathrines town, situated on the head of the Senecft lak«, 4 miles from Culvers, " X 1116 PAPERS REIaATIITO TO fixed themselves on the Genesee tract, have made such favoraDie reports of the climate and soil, that there are vast numbers of tlieir countrymen preparing to remove thither. Some of these, who at first bought townships of the original grantees, are selling farms to new settlers from two to three dollars an acre, according to quality, situation, and other Ibcal advantages. It is in contemplation at present to make a water communica- tion between the Susquehannah and the Schuylkill,* which if elTected, will lay open the market of Philadelphia for the recep- tion of the produce of all the Genesee country. And as the soil and climse of improvuig the land5, and were to be emhoilied aa militia. — Edit. VOL, TI. 71 1122 PAPERS RELATING TO county town of Cannandarqua, in the Genesee tract, in the cours« of the spring or summer 1791. To these improvements in civil society are added, courts of justice, and pubUc magistrates ; and judges for the new county of Ontario ; where court-houses, and other public buildings, are cither erected or in progress, so as to extend to the inhabitants the same civil and political privileges, in well-executed laws, and in sending representatives to congress and to the assembly, which are enjoyed by other citizens of America. In addition to what has been already said concerning the maple- gugar, 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 maple- sugar: — the process occupies six weeks, from the middle of February to the end of March ^ and the whole of the buildings, and other articles necessary for carrying it on, are to be obtained at so trifling an expence, as to be within the reach of any person of common industry, whose conduct in life can entitle him to the most moderate credit. Upon the scale of four men. and for the purpose of making 40 cwt. of sugar, all the implements that are necessary, are these followmg : ' Expence. 1. Sixteen kettles of 15 gallons each, to boil the sap, with pot racks for each kettle, , . £16- 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, J ^o | 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 6. Sixteen hundred wooden troughs, of three gallons each, to receive the sap from the trees, three pence each,,., , , 20- 0-0 WESTERN HEW- YORK. 1123 N. B. One man, acquainted with the business may cut down wood and make 20 troughs in a day (or eight days work of ten men.) 6. Six wooden troughs, dug out from large timber, like a canoe, for holding the sap, 4-10-0 In a new country, where cisterns cannot be had, such large troughs, made of well seasoned timber, (of which there is vast abundance, of an uncommon * size, wherever the maple tree grows) answer the purpose very welL 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 thcAveather, 10-10-0 8. Sugar moulds may be made of seasoned boards, until earthen ones can be procured, 1-10-0 9. Pickers (so called by the sugar-bakers,) to run up the moulds, may be also made of hard-wood found in the country, 0- 9-0 10. Spouts for the trees, 3,200 in all, 6-10-0 \ 11. Wooden gutters and narrow troughs for facilitating labour, 1-10-0 Total cost,.,. X65- 0-0 These are the whole implements that are required for a sugar work in America, all which, it is to be observed, excepting the 16 kettles, the two iron ladles, and the four augers, are prepared by the workmen themselves, from the resources they find in the country. 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 PAPttllS RELATING TO purpose of extracting the syrup or sap ; as in that month, some- times earlier and sometimes later, it begins to yield a sufficient quantity for commencing business. Tapping or boring. — Four hundred trees, each tree bored with two holes on the south side, and also with two holes on the north side of the tree in the early part of the season, with screw-augers from half to one inch, according to the size of the tree. And towards the middle of the season a like number of trees to be bored in the same manner. This upon the scale of four handa; • eight hundred trees in all, to be tapped. ' The sap of the second tapping will be found richer and more productive than the first. 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 txee 12 inches, but not to enter the orifice more than half an inch. Elder wood spouts to be prepared in the season. Preserving the sap or syrup. — In the early part of the season, the sap will keep during frost, but as the spring advances it will be necessary to boil it the day after it is drawn from the tree to prevent souring and fermentation. 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, continuing the process till the whole is placed in one kettle, filling up the empty ones as soon as possible with fresh sap. When the liquor in the last or aggregate kettle becomes a syrup, it should be strained through a woolen cloth, before it becomes too thick. When thus cleaned, it should stand in buckets or other proper vessels 12 hours, that the whole sediment may fall to the bottom,* and the clarifn d ^ynlp to be poured off into a. kettle or boiler. 1)26 The sedmaent to be boiled up again with fiesb sap. In graining, cleaning, and whiteing fhe sugai;, the method of the sugar-bakers to be used. In graining the sugar, pour the syrup into a boiler after havimg stood 12 hours, and place it over a smart fire of charcoal, so as to prevent any flame, using butter or hog's lard to keep down the sap when it rises to tlie top. Thi« 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 oi iraws 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 the moulds. Molasses and vinegar. — When the trees of the second tapping become poor, which may be about the 31st, of March, or perhaps not till the 10th of April, the number of fresh tapped trees will yield a sap, of which may be made good molasses, and excellent vinegar. Rum has al»o been made of an exceeding good quality from the rich sap. GENERAL OBSEKVATIONS. In maple plantations, it may be useful to cut down all other timber which grow intermixed with the sugar trees, and also those of that species which are not thriving. 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 richer quality the more they are tapped. How far a careful cultivation in plantations may still increase the quantity and enrich the juices drawn from this valuable tree, remains to be ascertained by experiment. The presumption, however, is in favour of still greater advan- tage is frem cultivation and art. I \ DESCRIPTION OF TH» SETTLEMENT OF THB OENESEE COUNTRY, m THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. SERIES OF LETTERS GENTLEMAN TO HIS FRIEND. Printed by T. & J. SWORDS, No. 99 Peeirl-atroei 1799. DESCRIPTION, Ike. LETIERL Okajj Sift, I with pleasure comply with youv request ; and will endeavour to furnish you with such information relative to the soil, climate, siluatioHj and present istate of the Genesee Country, as rriay 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 my oAvn observation, you may be able to form some idea of the rapid growth of this part of the United States. Any apology for the plainness of the style I consider unnecegsary. It is useful information you are in quest of, and sxich only I shall attempt to impart, In the year 1790, the Legislature of the State of New- York formed into a county, by the name of Ontario, all that part of the State lying wcfI of a meridip^n line drawn from the eighty-second mile-' stone on ; Pennsylvaiiia line to Lake Ontario. Within this is included the tract known by the name of the Genesee Country, bounded on the north by Lake Ontario, on the west by Niae:ara River and Lake Erie, on the south, by Pennsylvania, and on tb^ ei»st by the counties of Tioga and Onondago. The year previous to the formation of this county, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, Esqrs. of New England, purchased from tJfje State, and from the Seneca Indians, their right to that part of the country wliich 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 river, as will appear by the plan, forming a tract of country forty-five miles from east to west, and eighty-four from North to South, and con- taiiung about tv?o miliikxn twe hundred th<}usand acres of land 1130 PAPEaiS RELATTNG TO Within these limits are contained the country now settling, which is as remarkable for its natural advantages, as for its fertile soil and moderate climate. The northern part of the county of Ontario is watered by the Genesee River, Rundigut Creek, Flint Creek, Mud Creek, Salmon Creek, and many other inferior streams, and also by a number of lakes, some of them from forty to fifty miles in length, the outlets of which afford not only a good navigation to Albany and Lake Ontario, but also valuable mill seats. The south part of the country is watered by different branches of the Susquehannah, viz. the Conhocton, Canisteo, Tuscarora,and Cawa- nisque ; all of which unite at the Painted Post, and are navigable from the middle of March to about the fii-st of July, and from the middle of September till late in November. 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 axty five miles: and the improvement of the intermediate country- will not only facilitate the travelling, but by opening new and more direct roads, will considerably lessen the distance. At present the journey to any of these cities is generally performed in five or six days. The settlement of this country was first attempted by Mr Phelps, in the year 1789; but this attempt was attended with great and almost insurmountable difficulties: there was no access to the country but by Indian paths, and the nearest settlement was above one hundred miles distant: the Alleghany Mountains, then never passed, lay on the south, and Lake Ontario to the north ; to the west was one boundless forest. It is not to be wondered at, that, under such circumstances, the country made little progress in population and improvement for some years. 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 the Genesee Country in February, 1792, in his own word*. — WESTERN NEW-YORK. 1131 " On the 15th February, 1792, I left Albany, on my route to the Genesee River ; but the country was thought so remote, and so very httle known, that I could not prevail on the owner of " the sled I had engaged to go further than Whitesto\tn a new " settlement on the head of the Mohawk River, one hundred " miles west from Albany. The road, as far as Whitestown, had " been made passable for waggons ; but from that to the Genesee " River, it was little better than an Indian path, just sufficiently " opened to allow a sled to pass, and the most impassible streams " bridged. At Whitestown I was obliged to change my sled ; the " Albany driver would proceed no farther, he found that for the " next one hundred and fifty miles, we were not only obliged to " take provision for ourselves and our horses, but also blankets as " a substitute for beds. 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 Lake, which we found perfectly open and free " from ice as in the month of June: the evening was pleasant and " agreeable ; and what added to our surprise and admiration, was " to see a boat and canoe plying on the lake. This, after having " passed from New York over three hundred and sixty miles of country completely frozen, was a sight pleasing and interesting, " We then crossed the outlet of the lake, and arrived at the " settlement of Geneva, consisting of a few families, who had " been drawn thither from the convenience of the situation and beauty of the adjoining country. 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 mhabitants 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 from ice, the advantages of inland naviga- " tion ; a combination of advantages perhaps not to be experienced ^< in any other country in the world. From Geneva to Canadarqua 1132 " the road is only the Indian path, a little improved the first fiv€ miles over gentle swellings of land, intersperced with bottoms " seemingly very rich; the remainder of the road to Canadarqua, " the coimty town, sixteen miles, was, the greatest part of the " distance, through a rich heavy timbered land. On this road " there were only two families settled. Canadarqua, the county " town, consisted of only two small frame houses and a few huts^ surrounded with thick woods. The few inhabitants received me " with much hospitality. I found there abundance of excellent venison. From Canadarqua to the Genesee River, twenty-six " miles, it is almost totally uninhabited, only four families residing on the road. 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 '' similar to the parks in England '' At the Genesee River I found a small Indian store and *' tavern ; the river was not then frozen over, but was low enough " to be forded. As yet there are no settlements of any conse- " quence in the Genesee Country. That established by a society '* of Friends, on the west side of the Seneca Lake, is the most *^ considerable: it consists of about forty families. But the number " of Indians in the adjoining country, when compared with the few inhabitants who ventured to winter in the country, is so '' great, that I fouiid them under serious apprehensions for their " safety. 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 going '' on with spirit. I also found the settlers here abundantly " supplied with venison.'^ Such, it appears, wajg tbe situation of the county of Ontario m the year 1792. Its present appearaiwej contrasted with what it was at tiwt p«ri(pKl. T intenrl for th« subject of another letter Dear Sir Yours Sac. LETTER n Dear Sir^ Messrs. Phelps and Gorham ha\"ing sold, to Robert Morris, E!sq. of Philadelphia, nearly two thirds of their Lands, Mr. Morris resold them in England ; and the purchaser of Mr. Morris ha-snng arrived in America, began, early in the summer of* 1792, tft pyt in execution the plan he had formed for the improvement of the country. This gentleman having landed in Baltimore, was, at an early period, impressed with the idea that this new country, situ- ated immediately north of the centre of Pennsylvania and Maryland > must reap great adv-antages from opening a communication across the Alleghany Mountains ; and his first attempt at improving the Genesee Countr]^' was to examine, in person, the possibilitj^ of opening the communication. Not discouraged by the information he had received of the impracticability of the object, with four companions, on the third day of June, 1792, he left the settlement at the mouth of Lycoming Creek, on the west branch of the Susquehannah, and entered the mlderness, taking a northerly course. After ten days laborious exertion they fell on- the Cawonisque Creek, and, from the course of the waters, they soon found they had entered the county of Ontario. It appeared by th^ map of the adjacent country that a direct road across the mountains would shorten the distance of the Genesee Country from the settlements 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. By the month of November, of the same year, thirty miles were made sufficiently good to admit the passage of waggons ; and by the following August the road was completed to Williarasburgh, a distance of one hundred and seventy miles from the mouth of Lycoming Creek, where they had entered the wilderness to explore the route. 1134 PAPERS RELATING TO It is only from this period, which opened to the Genesee h communication Avith the settlements in Pennsylvania, that we can trace the beginning of that singularly rapid progress in population and improvements, which has so eminently distinguished that country. 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 men of observation that were pleased. Many returned disgusted with the extreme inconvenience of travelling through a country almost destitute of inhabitants, for the distance of one hundred and seventy miles, and particularly when they found the only settlement in that part of the country depending on the Indians for subsistence. In the spring of the year 1793, the scarcity of provisions that was felt so severely at the end of the preceding season, was considerably increased by the number of families that emigrated at this time into the county of Ontario. To keep the settlement? together, an additional stock of provisions, consisting of flour and pork, was procured from Philadelphia and Northumberland, in Pennsylvania. By the assistance of this timely supply, several settlements were begun in the south part of the county, the principal of which was on the Conhocton Creek, on the road from Pennsylvania to Williamsburgh. In this place, then the centre of a wilderness of nine hundred thousand acres, the town of B^th 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 the year 1794, those who had moved into the country the preceding years, finding a ready money market for their produce, had made great exertions, and a considerable surplus was furnished by them to the new comers. Of the new settlements, begun this year, the principal were those of Sodus, Honeoy Lake, Braddock's Bay, Canascraga, Tuscarora, and Pleasant Valley.* * - itualed on the southern extremity of the Crooked Lake : the other setllcments are deeig-na- ted by the orisrinAl names of the parts of th« eouutry in whifth they \v«rfi silixated WESTERN NEW- YORK, 1135 At the same time the population of the older settlements was increasing "with rapidity: on the most convenient mill-seats m*ills were building and roads making to unite the different settlements: mdeed the whole country seemed one scene of exertion. Every situation which nature had pointed out to possess superior advantages, was the scene of action, under the direction of some enterprising characters. 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, after the name of the founder, Frederick Bartles; before winter the saw- mill had got into complete operation,* and several excellent mechanics were settled in the town. The number of emigrants that had, by this time, moved into the new establishments in every part of the country, and the respectability of many individuals now resident, induced the Legislature of the State to agree to a division of the county of Ontario ; the north part retained the name of Ontario and the part struck off was called Steuben, after the Baron of that name: the town of Bath, only two years before the centre of a wilderness, was fixed on as the seat of justice. Roads were cut this year in many directions, to connept the different establishments, and many grist and saw-mills were building on the streams adjoining the settlements. As early as the year 1796, the various settlements had begun to assume an appearance of respectability never before instanced in so new a country. 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 distan?e, two schools, one grist-mill, and five saw-mills. Nearly all the settlements had increased in a similar proportion ; the number of emigrants each year was supposed to be not less than three thousand souls; these were either enojrafted on *It is not unworthy of notice, that in the month of May, 1798, Mr. Bartles proceetletl from his mills, in the centre of Steuben county, with 100,000 feet of ooards, for Baltimore, where he arrived, safe and met with so good a market,, tluit he engaged to deliver the same quantity tl\e next spring-. 1136 PAPElia IIKLATINO W the old settlements, or> under seme enterpi*wing man, formed distmct settlements of their own. « Of those begun in 1796, there were two worthy of notice : thiit of the Rev. Mr. Gray in Township No. 4, seventh range, who moved from Pennsylvania with a respectable part of his former parishoners, 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 the militia of the county of Steuben, this Jersey settlement turned out a company of grenadiers, all in handsome uniform, and completely equipped, composed solely of the young men belonging to it, and the same season, a troop of horse and a company of light infantry were formed at Bath, and attached to the battalion of Steuben county. Much pains werfe taken to induce the different settler.<< to erect mills at an early period of their settlement, and every encourage- ment was given to put it in their power to carry them into effect ; iiideed, in no new country were the settlers so well accommodated with mills. The consequence was evident, both in the appearance of their houses and farms: a greater number of framed houses and barns were to be found in these settlements than in many that were twenty years old. This had not only a good effect in beautifying and enriching the country, but by the erection of comfortable houses, much w^as done towards the preservation of the health of the inhabitants. This year a printing-offxe 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 fmit secured from depredation. Fruit was in such abundance, that one farmer, near Geneva, made, this year, one hundred barrels of cyder. The town of Canadarqua, from consisting of a few straggling huts, as described in 1792, had now assumed the appearance of a •very handsome village : a court-house and goal were already built ; and an academy founded on a subscription of thirty thou- sand dollars was now building. The whole adjacent country was ^VT:STERN NEW-YORK. 1137 jrapidly settling with a most respectable yeomanry, but particularly that part lying between Canadarqua and the Genesee River. This tract of country, about six miles from north to south, and twenty seven from east to west, for well cultivated farms, a thick popula- tion, and respectable inhabitants , may already vie with any part of ihe United States.* In this year (1796) the tow^n of Geneva received a great Addition by the laying out a street on the summit of a rising ground, along the west bank of the lake. At the south termina- tion 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 Catherine's Town, a small village at the head of the lake, about forty-four miles distant from Geneva. Towards the close of the season almost all the new buildings were finished, and the sloop was launched. The circumstance of the sloop, however trifling in itself, was of sufficient importance to assemble several thousand people, and no circumstance having occurred to draw together the different settle- ments, the people composing them were not a little surprised to find themselves in a country containing so many inhabitants, and these so respectable. Natives of every state in the union, and of every nation of Europe, were to be found in the assemblage, all ambitious of the same object, the aggrandisement of the Genesee Country. 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 Geneva, on the outlet of the Crooked Lake, which here empties into the Seneca ; a village, called Hopetown, was laid out on a rising ground adjacent to the creek, and within half a mile of the •This tract of country has continued to increase with great rapidity; one hundred and fifty families moved into it in the space of a few weeks lant winter, 1797. VOL. II. 72 1138 PAPERS RELATING TO lake ; at tnc same lime a set of merchant mills were bigun on the outlet, about half a mile from the village. No situation in the world can be better adapted for an establishment of this kind, having not only an excellent mill-seat on a powerful and never failing stream of water, but it is in the centre of a rich and flourishing settlement, and possesses the advantage of a good navi- " gation from any part of the Seneca Lake to the mills, and from thence to Albany 3 and also, with a trifling land carriage, to the Crooked Lake. 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 may sell their merchandize for wheat delivered at the mills, and pay storage for the advantage they derive. Mills of this kind, in countries where such vast crops of grain may be raised, are highly useful to the farmer, the merchant, and the great land-holder. On the north side of Geneva, about the same distance as Hope- town, a set of mills, on a similar plan, were built this season. These last are situated on a very important navigation, the outlet of the Canadarqua Lake, near its junction with Mud Creek, both of which are very considerable streams, and run through a great extent of'jrich country already well settled. In the settlement of Mud Creek alone, there were for sale, last fall, not less than ten thousand bushels of wheat, of an excellent quality. From the junction of the two rivers. Mud Creek affords good navigation for boats of four or five tons at least, twenty miles ; and the navi- gation 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 junction of the two streams, is laid out the village of Lyons, so called from the similarity of its situation to the city of that name in France. The vicinity of this place to the mills and to the salt works, and the command of the navigation, both to the interior country and to Albany, contribute to make it a WESTERN NEW-YORK. 1139 place of importance : such has been the success of this settlement, that though only begun two years ago it is now almost one con- tinued village from Geneva to Lyons, sixteen miles. From Lyons to Sodus there is a direct road, but only a few families are, as yet, settled on it. The town of Sodus is however, making considerable improvements ; a set of mills are finished, and other considerable improvements are carrying on. This place is situated on a bay of the same name, which is well known as the best harbour on the south side of Lake Ontario. Few- or none, even on the sea coast, exceed it for spaciousness and beauty. The extent 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 storm, the bay may be passed safely in a canoe. Vessels, may anchor near the town in twenty-five fathom water, on a sandy bottom, and in many places a vessel of fifty tons might lay afloat near enough the shore to land on a plank. In this bay there are several islands,* covered with timber, which with the head lands stretching into the bay afford picturesque views from the town, scarcely to be equalled. The town stands on a rising ground, on the west point of the bay, having the lake on the north, to appearance boundless as the ocean, and the bay to the east, romantically intersected with islands, and parts of the main land stretching into it. 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 unfre- quently heightened by the appearance of large vessels navigating the lake. At the sight of these immense bodies of water, the mind of a reflecting man must be struck with admiration. With only the interception of the portage of nine miles at Niagara Falls they may be navigated to the w^estward at least two thousand miles ; and at one place the portage between Lake Michigan and the navigable waters of the Illinois, does not exceed half a mile. I was at Sodus some time ago, when a boat, with a number of *Some of these islands contain -fifty acres, all of very fine soil : they produce vegetables in great abundance, particularly onions. 1140 PAPERS RELATING TO families on board, put into the bay, they appeared to be French. Being questioned as to their business, they said they were bound for the Spanish settlements on the Illinois River, some of them had been there the year before, and stated, that, excepting the Falls of Niagara, they had only a carrying-place of half a mile from Lake Michigan to a branch of the Illinois River. 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 ; and perhaps no place in America can equal it. Fish of various kinds, many of them from the ocean, can be had at pleasure ; and a species of soft-shelled green turtle* may be procured in plenty, little inferior to the green turtle brought from the West Indies. In the spring and fall, all sorts of water- fowl are innumerable in the bay. In the adjacent woods are abundance of deer ; they may be easily drove by dogs into the bay, and the chace is continued by water greatly to the amusement of those who are fond of such sports. Strangers going to Sodus, will now find good accommodation, in a house built for the purpose; and they will find handsome sail-boats, and every apparatus necessary to accommodate the sportsman in pursuit of his amusement. 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 affords the finest gardens. f In one of the creeks running into the bay there was, some time ago, discovered a fine body of chocolate marble, which has been found to bear a good polish, and the blocks sufficiently large for any sort of building ornament. On this Creek, now called Marble Creek, there are some excellent mill-seats, accessible to boats from the lake, which, as the settlement increases, will come into use. The present mills are on a creek, west of the town, called *This species of turtle weighs above 20 lb. f It is very common to see onions in gardens at Sodus from fourteen to fifteen f "^^rtehes in circumference, and from th« seed not sowen above four months. WESTERN NEW-YOEK. 1141 Salmon Creek, and consist of one grist-mill and two saw mills. The only part of the Genesee country, that seemed, until now to have escaped the general improvement, was that contiguous U^ the Genesee River, belpw Hartford or Canawagas : a set of verj good mills, however, had been built at the falls, and some settlei? were to be found in that neighbourhood, on the fertile plains hy the side of the river : but the idea of exposure to Indian depre dations on a frontier is always sufficient to prevent the man of industry and property from setthng. The luxuriance of the soil will not always tempt him. The moment, however, the western posts were given up to the United States, and this part of the country rendered safe, the industrious settlers turned their attention to the lands west of the river ; and they now bid fair to prove one of the best settlements in the western country I am &c. LETTER III. Dear Sir, The emigration that took place in the year 1797, into this Western Country, not only exceeded former years, as to numbers, but also as to the respectability of the emigrants ; a very great proportion of the settlers were the most substantial farmers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, the Jerseys, and New England. 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 well 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 weekly post for the carriage of letters : in fact, we found no inconvenience but that the access to the country, for near one hundred miles on each side, was through settlements, in point of improvement, far behind those in tlie Genesee Country. To improve our commu- nication with the coast seemed to be all that was necessary to render this coimtry equal to any part of America, for comfort and convenience : in many thing's, particularly the climate, w^e had much the advantage. To remedy this inconvenience as to roads, the Legislature of the State had, by an act passed in the session PAPERS RELATING TO of taken the road from Fort Schuyler to Geneva under their patronage. A lottery Had been granted for the opening and improvmg of certain great roads ; among these, this road was included. The inhabitants of the country through which the road passed, made a voluntary offer of their services, to aid the State Commissioner, and subscribed four thousand days work, which they performed with fidelity and cheerfulness. 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 month of June, 1797, a little better thmi an Indian path, was so far improved, that a stage started from Fort Schuyler on the 30th of September, and ariived at the hotel in Geneva, in the afternoon of the third day, with four passengers. This line of road having been established by law, not less than fifty families settled on it in the space of four months after it was opened. It now bids fair to be, in a few years, one continued settlement from Fort Schuyler to the Genesee River. All last winter two stages, one of them a mail stage, ran from Geneva and Canadarqua to Albany weekly. 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 intelli- gent traveller, and many respectable characters undertake the journey from no other motive. To them, therefor^, it must be highly gratifying to find entertainment and • accommodation equal to any thing of the kind in America. Very few places of the size now exceed Geneva, either as to the stile of the buildings, the beauty of the adjoining country, or valuable improvements. The number of sail-boats have greatly increased on the lake, and the sloop finds constant employment : and, in addition to their comforts, a person from Scotland has established, at Geneva, a very respectable brewery, which promises to destroy in the neigh- bourhood, the baneful use of spirituous liquors. The apple and WES TEH N NEW- YORK. 1143 peach orchards, left by the Indians, yield every year abundance of fruit, for the use of the inhabitants, besides making considerable cyder ; so much so, that one farmer near Geneva sold cyder, this year, to the amount of one thousand two hundred dollars. So respectable are these establishments 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 settle- ments, each under Ihe direction of some enterprising man, whose greatest ambition, and that of his fellow settlers, is to distinguish their settlement above the others. Water, in the town of Geneva, is brought, in pipes, from a remarkable spring, at the distance of a mile and a half, so that each house is plentifully supplied at the door J and a number of farmers in the adjoining country bring water into their farm-yards and kitchens. These conveniences el Dol's. Cu. Produce in bushels per acre Wheat, 1 from 25 to 30 Rye, 75 40 to 50 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 the expence and probable return. 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 : these forty acres - may be, at the least, expected to yield one thousand bushels of wheat ; and after deducting two tenths or two hundred bushels, for reaping and threshing, leaves a balance of eight hundred Dushels to defray the expense and as profit for the value of the land used ; and the land is left in complete order for a second crop, without any more expense than the trifling one of plowing and sowing. It is also found, that the temperate climate, and richness of the K)astures, particularly adapt the Genesee Country for those branches of farming dependant on cattle. 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 averaged at Bath, and found to bear of good hay three tons 8 ewt. 46 lb, per acre. In many places the red clover was four feet seven inches long. WESTERN NEW-YORK. 1149 to thirty cows. The cattle brought into the country from the . neighbouring States thrive well, and some bred in the country have grown to a great size.* The mildness and short duration of the wmter, when compared with that of the great cattle cour.ti.ts ^ in the New-England States, are much in favour of the Genesee Country. When we consider the ease with which every thing can be sent to market, the surplus grain, the product of the dairy, the salt provisions, and fat cattle, will at once appear a fund of wealth to the country. The settlements already formed on the principal navigations, and whose inhabitants are used to business, and respectably connected, find, at an early period, the most advantageous markets for their surplus produce. To Canada, beef, salt, pork,t flour, and whisky, are already sent to a great amount. | To the county of Steuben, nature has pointed out a market by the Susquehannah River. Several of its branches afford 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 in the spring, while the waters are kept high by the melting of the snow •A four years old bullock was killed at Bath in November last that weighed 12 cwt. 28 lb. And this spring a bullock was killed at the same place that measured seventeen hands and a half high, eleven feet six inches from the root of his horns to the root of his tail, and nine feet six inches in the girth — he sold for two hundred and forty-seven dollars cash. t The salt works at Onondago are now under the directio i of the State. As the salt can be brought to the Seneca Lake or the Genesee River by water, it can be procured here at little more expense than on the sea coast, and equally as good. J A g^eat 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 its com munication with Lake Ontario, has a very decided advantage; and the distill Ing of whiskey has already become an object to our farmers. PAPERS RELATING TO on the Alleghany Mountains, a species of boat* may be made to desc end the stream that will carry from two to five hundred barrels of flour. Lumber for the Baltimore market can be sent down with ease, and at little expense, when compared with the high price of boards, &c. The opening the navigation to Baltimore, and the ease with which bulky articles can be carried to one of the best markets in the United states, places the county of Steuben in a situation highly flattering to its future prospects. The land-holder will receive, in payment for his lands, articles fit for the Baltimore market,! 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 individua:! who has emigrated to the Genesee Country, has stamped a greater value on the lands than ever was known in any place so recently settled, and so distant from the old settled country ; but this has, in a great measure, been owing to the convenience and security afforded to the settlers at the earliest period of their emigration. In several instances I have advised the following plan for the settlement of a few families of Europeans. In this I have con- sidered their apprehensions and difficulties, when scattered in a woody country, and the advantage they may gain by being mutually able to aid and encourage each other. I proposed that the whole body should, instead of scattering in the woods, fix themselves in a village, and bestow their first labour on improving the village lots, which, to save the labour of fencing, should be worked up in a number of small portions by the settlement under one common- fence, but each lot to belong to the individual proprietor. Houses . could be built at a small expence on each town lot, to accommodate families. Foreigners will find much advantage from following a •A Mr. 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 or five men, and will float down at the rate of eighty miles per day;~lhey are called Arks. t The proper articles for the Baltimore market are lumber, such as ship plank boards, soantling, lath and shingles — fat cattle, barrelled beef and pork, flour, barley and hemp, may also, at little expence, be transported on the rafts WESTERN NEW-yORI^. pian of this kind: one third the number of cattle will be sufficient for the purposes of husbandry, and a great deal more produce will be raised in a large enclosure than in a number of small ^ separate ones, making the same extent of land. In small fields, surrounded with woods, one half will be overshadowed, so as to bear little crops. 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 settle- ment, 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 by the strongest motives to friendship, will lighten the most arduous task. I have no idea that you can reap any benefit from my attempting lo give you information on the mode of farming in this country; that you must condescend to learn here ; but it is requisite that you know the prices of the implements, necessary for a farmer. A good log Jiouse,* with two rooms, if made by hired men, will cost 100 Dollars Oxen per yoke, 70 A cow, 15 Farming utensils necessary at first 20 An oxcart, 30 This is the least any family can do with, unless a number com- bine together. 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. J am &c. LETTER V. Dear Sir, When a census of this state was taken, in the year 1790, the number of inhabitants in the counly of Ontario was estimated at nine hundred and sixty souls ; but even in this small number, there were included Surveyors and their chainbearers, &c, and even those * A small log- house, twenty feet square, will cost fifty dollars ; a number settling together can do with one yoke of oxen, and of course, one set of f;umlng utensils, for every two families, the first year. I 1162 PAPEliS llELATING TO whom cunosity had drawn into the country. Every year since that period considerable additions have been made to the number of inhabitants ; but for the last two years the increase has been pro- portionably greater than the preceding. Within the space of five weeks last winter, five hundred and seventy sleighs, with families passed through Geneva. The great number of settlements into which the new inhabitants spread themselves, renders it impossible to ascertain the present number of souls ; but considering the great difficulties we had to encounter for many years, and bur distance from the old settle- ments, our population .is astonishingly increased. 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 OntaHo Gazette disperses, weekly, not less than one thousand papers, and the printer of the Batk Gazette^ from four to five hundred. From this some judgment may be formed, not only of the number, but of the respectability of the people settled in the country. As it is several years since the mrlitia of the county of Ontario was organized, we cannot judge of the population by the number of regiments ; they are at present formed into a brigade of three complete battalions, and a very excellent troop of horse. The militia of Steuben county consists of only one battalion of infantry to which are attached a troop of horse, a company of grenadiers and light infantry, and a company of riflemen. These companies, and a troop of horse, are in complete uniform. A very just idea may be formed of the population and respecta- bility of a settlement, by the number of mills. W^ithin my Knowledge there are in Ontario County nineteen grist-mills, and twenty-eight saw-mills, and some of them equal to any in America: m 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 the State being New-England people. Indeed, until after the opening of the road to Pennsylva- WESTERN NEW- YORK. 1153 nia, over the Alleghany Mountains, there was scarcely one instance to the contrary. But the opening of this communication, and the means that have been taken to make the inhabitants of the adjoining States acquainted with the country, have induced a great many to immigrate from the Jerseys, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and this season a considerable number from Maryland. The settlers from New-England, a people remarkably enterprising, long supposed that no others would venture into a country so remote from their homes ; but since the improving of the waggon road to the southward, it is found to be considerably easier to remove from Philadelphia, Lancaster, Trenton and Baltimore, than from New -England. The number of emigrants from Pennsylvania, Maryland and New-Jersey, has been greatly on the increase, ahd 4:ustom has made the distance familiar. I have known several persons above sixty years of age, ride, with ease, in seven days from Baltimore to Bath. 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 courted, and reeourse is had to them by such exertions, that men of respectability and property are drawn into the country, not only from the neighbouring States, but from Europe. An European, who contemplates moving to America, has a vast field before him. The United States offer a variety of soil, climate and people. It is difficult to select from these, the situation most comformable to his opinions and habits. That country whose climate requires exertion and industry to procure the comforts of life, and whose geographical situation admits of its produce being easily transported to market, certainly bids fair for having an orderly and well regulated government. The certainty of reaping a moderate profit, is the only security for industry. This is very far from being the case on the western waters. * It is found that the price of lumber, fat cattle, butter and cheese, is at least fifty per cent higher in Baltimore than in Albany; a circumstance much in favor of Steuben county, when compared with the counties North of Albany. VOL. u. 73 1154 PAPERS RELATING TO riieir corn, the common food of the inhabitants, is sometimes 62| cents per busliel and sometimes 12 J, and everything else in proportion* The distance from any large city is too far to drive fat cattle, and the climate too warm for the dairy, or to allow salting or barrelling beef, could salt be procured. That country seems also to have a different interest from the .Atlantic States. With the Genesee Country these objections do not hold good: droves of fat cattle can be sent at any time to Philadelphia, New- York, Albany, or Baltimore. The distance is not so great as the best grazing countries in Massachusetts, from whence they have, for many years past, drove their fat cattle to Philadelphia. From the south part of the Genesee Country, cattle, as well as every kind of produce, can, in the spring, be sent down the Susquehannah, either for the Philadelphia or Baltimore market. The Onondaga salt- works being in the immediate vicinity of the Genesee Country, afford salt at an easy rate for curing beef and pork, either for home use or for exportation ; and no country is better suited for the dairy. These are advantages to a new country, which are incal- culable, and afford the means of bringing thousands of acres into cidtivation. 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, w^ho divests himself of the foibles and follies of large cities, I mus^^ decidedly give this country the preference. With a moderate climate, it is in this country as Yorkshire is to England : it is near enough to the large cities to draw a revenue from their markets, but too distant to be affected by their vices and follies. A little industry will make the roads excellent, in a country w^here, for sixty miles in any direction, you cannot find a mountain or a swamp, or any barren land ; and thick population will give conveniencies and luxuries. 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 all European goods and salt are very dear. It will take the produce of one acre to buy a pair of breeches. WESTERN NEW-YORK. * 1155 the woods with venison,* the maple tree with sugar,! and our industry with abundance oi grain. The most convenient route for Europeans to come to the Genesee Country will be to land at New- York ; they will with much ease reach Albany by water, and from thence they can either hire wagons or take navigation by the canals, or the Mohawk River, to Geneva. Unless the water be in good order, I should certainly prefer the land journey. 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 c^rry nothing but bedding, clothes, and cooking materials ; all the ai tides of household furniture can be procured in the cotmtry at less expense than would carry it from the coast. I am, 8lc LETTER VI. Dear Sir, The Genesee Country, I find has not failed to engage the attention of foreigners, and those from Great-Britain in particular. Alany respectable characters from that part of the world ^have already come into this country, with the intention of establisliing themselves in it ; and what has added much to the advantage of emigrants of this description, is the law passed by the Legislature at the last session, by which foreigners, though aliens j are enabled to hold real property within the State of New-York. 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 tho^e w^ho may wish to secure an asylum for themselves or their families on this side of the Atlantic. To such, this pait of the United States is particularly suited. The climate and soil are by no means inferior to their own, ami the laws and customs of the State of New-York bear a striking *For three several years back five hundred deer have been killed in the neighbourhood of Bath annually. I A settlement of fifteen families, in No. 4, seventh range, made this year two tons of sug-ar from the maple tree, some families made bOV ib. 1156 • PAPERS RELATI^Jd TO resemblance to those of England. In this delightful country, societies of old countrymen have it in their power to choose fertile situations for their establishments, where they may indulge their own fancy as to the arrangement of their respective farms, and where they can enjoy without interruption, their own mannerf? and customs. To these distinct establishments, the laws and customs of the country are highly favourable. In many instances such societies are found for half a century to have preserved their native language in great pm-ity. Though these circumstances may appear trifling, yet they are of material consequence to the comfort of those who change their country at a period of life when both habits and manners are formed, and to those who have, by prudential motives, been induced to change their country, but who cannot, with the same facility, change their feelings as men. On a plan similar to the one above mentioned, a Scotch settle- ment was projected two years ago, and a considerable number of persons of that country have already joined it. This settlement is formed on the west side of the Genesee River, about eight milej* from the River, and is called Caledonia. The village is built around a remarkable spring, which issues from a limestone rockj and forms a body of water covering about two acres, from whence a stream takes its rise sufficiently powerful to work, at a short distance from the spring, a set of merchant mills. The plan for this settlement occupies about ten thousand acres, distributed in the following manner For the ministry 100 acres 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^wiW experience great satisfaction in joining their country- men, perhaps their former friends and neighbours, in such a colony. They can, as opportunity offers, improve their respective purchases, WESTERN NEW-YORK. 1157 according to their fancy ; and they wilt not only enjoy advantages from their own industry, but finally be enriched by the industry of their neighbours. Those who have been born to labour for their livelihood, with a few years continuance of the same industry as was necessary for their existence in Europe, will find themselves rich and independant ; and at their death, instead of leaving their families, as is generally the case in Europe, the same hard and scanty means of existence, they will leave them real property, and the means, by industry, of living in ease and plenty. At the most early period of the settlement of this country, establishments were formed at much difficulty and at great expense; and even money could not obviate the difficulties emigrants had to encounter. During the two first years my companions and myself scarcely ever slept in a bed, and could seldom command the common necessaries of life. 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. Mechanics of every description.are to be found throughout the country, and no country was ever so well supplied with mills. It is necessary for all those who propose removing to new settlements, to make a calculation of the expence of their removal, and the quantity of provisions which will he necessary, until they can raise crops from their own labour. The great object is to reach their respective destinations as near the opening of the spring as possible, as their cattle will then in a short time be provided for without any expence, and in a very few months they can reap the fruits of their industry. The European must expect to encounter difficulties ; but the greatest of these, perhaps, will be to overcome his prejudices in favour of the customs of his own country. A Iktle observation will, however, convince him that the most ordinary customs of the country have not been adopted without good reason, and by no means should be deviated from by new settlers. Jl i.s a trv.<^ ob^jervatjon that, practice and example are ^'ver Xo 1158 PAPERS RELATING TO be more depended on than theory. I shall therefore, to be some guide in your future business, give you a short detail of the opera- tions of a gentleman who left England only last April, and settled himself in the Genesee Country, where he is now comfortably established. M. B. left England early in April, and arrived with his family at New-York, about the middle of May : afier 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 ilays he arrived in Albany ; from thence he went, by land to Schenectady, a small town o;i the Mohawk River, sixteen miles from Albany, where he engaged a three ton boat to carry him to Geneva, at which place he arrived early in June. Mr. B. from the plan of the country, had selected a lot of six hundred and forty acres, situated on the east side of the w^est branch of the Crooked Lake. On viewing this spot, Mr. B. who is a man of observation, saw, notwithstanding its perfect state of nature, both its beauties and advantages : he found it extending one mile on the lake, from which the ground rose wdth a sufficient ascent, of a rich soil, and a fine stream of water nearly intersecting the lot. He immedi- ately fixed on a situation for his buildings and garden, and marked reserves of handsome trees in different places so as to give- it the appearance of an English country-seat, Mr. B. having fixed his family at Geneva,, procured five young men to begin clearing off the timber around the place allotted for his buildings, and also to put in a field of wheat. 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 \y\\\ be abundantly supplied with all the necessaries thnt a farm can be supposed to furnish in any country ; and he will have the satisfaction to reflect, lhat he owes it entirely to his own exertion and industry. I am &c. WESTERN NEW-YORK, 1159 LETTER VIL Dear Sir, , The different communications hy water from the Genesee Coantiy to the sea I shall endeavour to explain to you in as few words as possible. From the country known by that name there are three that are now used. 1st. To Baltimore by the Susquhannah ; 2d. To Albany by the Seneca and Mohawk Rivers; 3d. To Montreal by Lake Ontario and the River St. Lawrence ; and from the south-Avest part of the country boats may descend the Allegany River, which is a branch of the Ohio, to New Orleans. The Susquehannah enters the Chesapeak Ray at Havre de Grace. Few rivers embrace a greater extent of country within its various branches ; and none afford better navigation to so near their source. At Northumberland the west and north branches of this river meet, affording a very advantageous situation for tiade. The branch which heads in the Genesee Country makes, from Northum- berland, a course almost directly north, and is called the North Branch. At Tioga Point a junction is termed between the vraters of the Otsego Lake, known by the name of the East Branch of the Susquehannah, and Tioga R.iver, and form a situation very similar to that of Northumberland. At the Painted Post, a small village on the most easterly bounds of Steuben county, the' dilTerent branches of the Tioga, or Chemung River, form a junction, and are all navigable for a great distance into the Genesee Country, The Conhocton River rises in the north-west part of the County of Steuben, and taking a southeasterly course, passes the town of Bath, the county town, to which place it is navigable for boats of eight tons : about five miles below Bath it is joined by ^lud Creek, so called from a lake that forms its source ; and even this small stream is navigable for boats, to i\Ir. Bartlcs's mills, built on the outlet of the lake, eleven miles from its mouth. Mr. Bartles, from these mills, rafted one hundred thousand feet of lumber, last spring, to Baltimore, by the Susquehannah, and found the business so advantageous, that he is now preparing a much larger quantity for the same market. As you descend the Conhocton, from tlie 1160 PAPERS RELATING TO accession of many streams, the navigation betters, until you reach the main river at the Painted Post. Tlie Canisteo. which is the next River to the North, rises from a marsh in the north-west corner of the county of Steuben, and, taking a south east course, joins the Conhocton at the Painted Post. It is somewhat singular, that this river is navip^ablc almost to its source. From the opposite side of the marsh, the Canascraga also has its source. This is a branch of the Genesee River, which falls into the River St. LawTence ; w^hile the Canisteo, a branch of the Susquehannah, falls into the Chesapeake Both are navi- gable for boats of ten tons to Wthin nine miles of each other, and the portage now in use may, w^ith very trifling labour, be reduced to five miles. The navigation of the Canisteo has been more used than any of the other branches of the Susquehannah that water the Genesee Country, and has added much to facilitate the moving of the Pennsylvania emigrants ; but the recent settlement of the country has not permitted them even to clear out, much less improve the navigation in the manner it will admit of. This country has now^ drawn the attention of some very resj^ec- table characters in the mercantile towns on the Susquehannah, and at Baltimore ; and there is no doubt but the farmers will be induced to turn their attention to those articles w^hich are most in demand . in the. markets on the coast. One of the most respectable mercantile houses in Baltimore made a purchase, last year, near Tioga Point, in order to draw to that quarter the trade of the western country : they have built a set of mills, and are establishing an extensive work for the manufacturing of ship cordage. If we consider the vast body of rich flats on the Susquehannah, where its various branches pass the Genesee Country, and the ease with which the produce of the Genesee River can be brought to the navigable part of the Canisteo, it will appear that the quanity of hemp which may be collected at Tioga Point, or the Painted Post wuH be incalculable. The flats on the Genesee River and Canascraga Creek alone, cannot be estimated at less than eighty miles in length, and about two in breadth, forming a body of about eighty thousand acres : and every acre is, I suppose, eighteen feet Jeep of black mould. In ?uch land the Indians raise one hundred WEISTERN NEW- YORK. 116^ })uslieis oi com on an acre, and ihey never have been known to make any change of the spot. Where such land under proper management, and turned to the cultivation of hemp and flax, the returns would be immense. To forward this object, it is intended, this season, to begin an establishment at the extremity of the navigation of the Canisteo ; and to induce the farmers on the Genesee River to cultivate hemp and flax, proper boats will be* provided to carry those articles to market. To those who object that three hundred and flfty four miles* is too lengthy an inland navigation to carry such bulky acticles to market, I reply, that the United States are at present supplied with hemp from Russia, and that it there bears an inland navigation of one thousand two hundred miles before it reaches a sea-port. Some years ago the high price of floi;r and lumber at Baltimore, induced a Mr. Kryder, a farmer on the Juniata River to try an experiment in the mode of transporting flour from his mills to Baltimore : he built a sort of a boat, which he called a?i Ark ; it was long and flat, and constructed of very large timber, such as he supposed would suit the purpose of builders. This vessel, or float, carried three hundred barrels of flour. This man had the courage to push through a navigation then unknown, and arrived safe at Baltimore, where he received from the merchants a premium of one dollar above the market price for every barrel. Thus encouraged — the same person has been down every year since, an l has made so considerable improvement on this sort of boat, that arks are now used which carry five hundred barrels. From the most diligent inquiry, and from the ease with which Mr. Bartles carried down his lumber last spring, there does not exist a doubt but that the navigation of the Conhocton and Canisteo serve for boats of this kind, carrying from three to five hundred barrels. As they are never intended to be used but for descending in high water, they are navigated with few hands, and go down with great rapidity. It is intended that two shall go from the county of Steuben this season : they will be loaded with valuable lumber, and a few fat bullocks. It is supposed they will reach the tide water, • * The ♦Usitance fro»3 the bead at the Canisteo to Havre de Grace. 1162 PAPERS RELATING TO at Havre de Grace, in five days. In a few years, flour, and every other article of produce in demand at the sea-ports, will be sen! ihe same way. In every other back country of Amerii-a, where there exists a possibility of sending the spare provisions abroad, particularly on the 0/«o, the difficulty of procuring salt to cure the beef and pork will prevent these branches of farming from yielding any profit. The situation of the Genesee Country, and, mdeed, the whole western part of tlie State of New- York, is, in this respect, highly advantageous. It is supplied with salt in such ibundance, that the price is not higher than on the sea coast ; and the intermediate country, till within one hundred miles of tide- water, is also supplied from these works.* Thousands of barrels pass every year through the Genesee Country, for the use of settlements fifty years established, and one hundred miles nearer to the sea coast. So highly are these waters impregnated with salt, that eight pounds of water, when evaporated, make one pound of pure salt ; and the springs are so abundant, that it was calculated by a very ingenious and correct gentleman, that from a single spring three hundred thousand bushels might be made in one year ; and at least tw^enty springs are now used. — 'But to return to the navigation. The south branch of the Tioga 'has a north course from the Alleghany Mountains, and joins the Conhocton and Canisteo at the Painted Post, as also does the Tuscarora and Cowanisque. These streams, at this uniting place, form a great, and, in time of high water, a magnificent river. From this place boats of any size could be sent to Baltimore ; there being to this navigation no interruptions of consequence until we get below Wright's Ferry ; from which place for Havre de Grace the State of Maryland is making great exertions to render the navigation safe and beneficial to the trade of Ballraore. The method which tl^e gentlemen employed in this business has taken will, I have no doubt, be crowned with success. The obstructions are formed by bars of • Of so much importance did these salt-works appear to the Government that, two years ago, they took the business entirely under their own diieclion, and appointed a Comnnssioner to superintend the salt-makers, and restricted tlie price to sixty cents per bushel, at which they are obliged, by their contract, to supply the country. WESTEli^' KEVv'-YOIlK. 1163 limestone rock, running across the river, from east to west, and the whole water of the river pours over them. In the dry seasons, the drift wood which collects on these ledges, is gathered and piled on the rocks, and burnt until they become quite heated : water i? then thrown on them, when they immediately split into pieces : the rocks are then broke up and thrown into the pools below. These breaches are made one hundred yards in length, so as to allow rafts of any size to pass with safety. Large subscriptions have been made to carry on these works ; and there is no doubt but a few years perseverance will complete a safe navigation from the head of the Canisteo to Baltimore. The navigation from the county of Ontario to Schenectady, sixteen miles from Albany, has been of late years much improved, and is of great advantage to that part of the country. The outlets of Seneca Lake, Canadarqua Lake, and Mud Creek, join together, and form the Seneca River, which, through its whole extent^ is a very useful navigation. At the Three River Point it is met by the outlet of the Oneida Lake, and, after passing Oneida Lake, the boats ascend Mud Creek, Irom which there is a canal, to unite its waters with the Mohawk Ri^ er, on which two otlier obstructions are canalled, to make the communication good to Schenectady. These improvements are made on the scale of boats carryhig ten tons being used on this navigation. Considerable qunntiiies of flour, potash, and salt, are every year sent down by this navigatioii, and thus the merchants are enabled to make their remittances. So much has the navigation been used, that one hundi'ed boats have been known to arrive at the little town of Geneva in six week.^. In the beginning of the settlement of this country, families, moving in these boats, suffered much from want of shelter in the Jiight ; but the number of travellers has induced persons to settle and keep taverns at the most suitable places, where the accommodations are far from being bad. The navigation from the interior county of Ontario into the lake of the same name, is by the Genesee, Rundigut, and Seneca Rivers. The Seneca River is formed by the waters of the Seneca Lake, Canadarqua Lake, Mud Creek, and the Cayuga Lake, each of which are large and deep streams, affording great convenience ilb4 PAPERS RELATING TO to the country adjoining them : these meet the Oswego River at Three River Point, which falls into Lake Ontario at Oswego Fort. The importance of this place induced the Legislature of the State of New York to lay out a town, which already affords great conve- nience to persons trading to and from Canada. The Rundigut lies about five miles east of the Genesee River, and runs into the country about six miles : at the south extremity, of the bay Rundigut Creek forms a very handsome fall of about twenty feet, affording a fine situation for mills, which may be so placed that boats might be navigated from Canada to the mill, and there loaded without any trouble. A convenient store-house has already been built, and, during the two last summers, very considerable quantities of provisions and distilled liquor were sent from this place to Canada. In the neighbourhood of this place are several bodies of iron ore,* and it is presumed that works will soon be established for the making of iron. The Genesee River is navigable for sloops of sixty tons from the lake to the falls, a distance of six miles. These falls, which are formed by a continuance of the san>e ridge that forms the Falls of Niagara, are a succession of four distinct falls within the space of one mile : the highest is ninety feet, but, with the rapids above, the total height is three hundred feet. These falls, for beauty, are not inferior to those of Niagara. A carrying place is made on the west side of the river, and it has already a considerable employment. Immediately above the falls the river is navigable for large boats, and continues so for twenty-five miles above Williarasburgh, where it is again interrupted. At the village of Williamsburgh the Canascraga Creek joins the Genesee River : this creek affords good navigation for near twenty miles, to Dansville, a settlement in the north west corner of Steuben county, only nine miles from the navigable waters of the Caniskeo River. The quantity of provisions and distilled liquor sent from the mouth of the Genesee River is very considerable. Last summer a small vessel was kept in constant employment in this business. ♦Iron can be brought, by the Susquehannah, from Pennsylvania to Geneva or Bath, and afforued at nearly the same price it is sold for in New-York or PULUilelphia. WESTERN NEWYORBL. 1165 The counties of Ontario and Steubea have also the advantage of being, by a particular law, exempted from all taxation for sixteen years from the year 1790 ; so that, until the year 1806, they are free of all pubhc burdens, except what may be necessary for the support of their internal regulation : and we find by a late Law for raising by a direct tax, the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, that this privilege in favour of these .counties is expressly guaranted. LETTER VIIL Dear Sir, I Shall now endeavour to give you some idea of the route aud distance to the Genesee Counlr)' from the city of New-York. There are shorter roads than by Albany, but this route beuig the best and most convenient, the additional travelling is fully compensated for. During the summer months sloops are constantly passing from New-York to Albany : they generally run the distance in two days ; and sometimes in one. The road from Albany to the westward goes by Schenectady and the Mohawk River ; but at Utica, ninety-six miles from Albany, it is intersected by the Great Genesee Road, at w^hich place you are ninety-nine miles from Geneva, the whole of which distance you will find a well settled country ; but, for your guide in making comfortable stages, T have annexed a hst of the best taverns on the road, with their respective distance from each oher. Should curiosity induce you to visit the Falls of Niagara, you will proceed from Geneva, by the State Road, to the Genesee River, which you will cross at New-Hartford, west of which you will find the country settled for about twelve miles ; but after that, for sixty-five miles, to Niagara River, the country still remains a wilderness. This road was used so much last year by people on business, or by those whom curiosity had led to visit the Falls of Niagara, that a station was fixed at the Big Plains to shelter travellers. At this place there are two roads that lead to Niagara River ; the south road goes by Buffalo Creek, the other by Tanawandoe Village to Queen's Town Landing. The road by Buftalo Creek is most used both because it is better and because 1166 PAPERS RELATING TO it commands a view of Lake Erie ; and the road from this to the Falls is along the banks of Niagara River, a very interesting ride. The river is in no place less than a mile over and the picture is enlivened by a variety of landscapes. Niagara River is the only outlet of Lake Superior, and all those immense lakes that afford, from ihe falls, an uninterrupted navigation of near two thousand miles to 'he westward. As you approach Chippaway, a military station two miles above the falls, the rapidity of the river increases, bounding to a great height where it meets witb resistance from the inequality of the surface ; and this vast body of water at last rushes over a precipice of one hundred and seventy feet. The falls can be v iewed from several different places : but they are seen to most advantage below. You can with safety, approach the very edge of the fall, and may even go some distance between the sheet of falling water and the precipice ; but this experiment requires caution ; the footing is unequal and slippery ; and blasts of condensed air rush out with such violence as to deprive you, for some moments of the power of bre^ithing. From the falls to Queens-Town, the nearest place to which shipping approach the falls, the river is confined within a chasm in the rocks, one hundred and fifty feet deep, and to all appearance cut out by the force of the water. Queens- Town is a neat village, and has all the appear- ance of a sea-port : it is not uncommon to see at that place several brigs of one hundred, tons burthen, and many smaller vessels. The territory opposite to Queens-Town, on the east side, is a reservation belonging to the State of New-York, which the Legislature directed the Surveyor-General to lay out into small lots, for the accommodation of settlers. This place is the key to the trade of the w^estern lakes, and numbers of teams are daily employed between it and Chippaway : the distance by the carrying place now in use, on the Brittish side, is eleven miles: the carrying place formerly in use, on the American"side, was only six miles; but the mountain forming the falls is more abrupt. Some persons, interested in the countries beyond the falls, bad this interruption to the navigation examined by a very respectable engineer, for the purpose of discovering the practicability of making a canal to open the navigation of the western lakes. The fall WESTERN KEW-YORK. 1167 wms found to be three hundred and twenty feet from Stecdman-s Landing, above the falls, to Queens-Town Landing below : the distance to be cut did not exceed four miles, nearly three of uhich is on level with the navigable part of the river above the falls. 1 am, &c. The principal Taverns on the Road from Albany to Geneva, and from thence to Niagara, with their Distances. Albany to Schenectady, 16 Schenectady to Bents,. 14 Bent's to , 10 De wight's, 16 Hudson's Indian Castle, 14 Aldridges, German-Flats, 10 [lotel, Fort-Schuyler, 16 — 9d From Fort-Schuyler to Laird's on the ) Great Genesee Road ^ Van Epp's, near the Oneida Reservation, 6 Wemp's, in the Oneida Reservation, 6 Sills's, at the Deep Spring, 11 Keelers, junior, 12 Tyler's, Onondago Hollow, 10 Rice's, Nine raile Creek, 10 Cayuga Ferry,. 20 Powel's Hotel, Geneva, 13 — 98 From Geneva to Canadarqua. Sanburn's, 16 Searson's, on the State Road, 14 New-Hartford, 11 Peterson's, at the Big Spring, 6 Gan son's, 6 To the Station on the Big Plain, 27 To Buffalo Creek,.., 43 — 123 Miles, 317 1168 PAPT5RS RKLATlNt; TO ^S'liST'ERN NEW VORK. % 'The foilowing: note from the Hon: John Greio to T. Rombyn Bbcjk Vntq. M. D. indicating the author ot the foregoing^ Tract, is annexed to the copy in the State Library. « Canandaksua 29, October 1846 My dear Sir, I am favoured with your letter of the 27, instant — I very well remember the Pamphlet on the " Settlement of the Genesee Country" to which you refer, and my own recollection of it, and of tlie Author of it, is fortified by that of Judge Howell, to whom I have shewn your letter. It was written by Capt. Charles Williamson, who came to this country as the Agent of Sir W"^ Pulteney and Governor Hornby, for tlie settlefnent of their Lands in the Western part of the State of New- York, in the year 1792. He remained as their Agent until the year 1802, when he returned to Europe- He afterwards made occasional visits to this Country, until the year 1807, when he died of the yellow fever while on a mission from the British 'Governmept to the Havanna. Believe me with much regard Yours Sincerely. John Grkk;. f