CHAPTER XI.

                                              THE STEAM-BOAT COMPANY-
                                              THE SKIFF STEAMBOAT 1786.

   IT was impossible for the ardent enthusiast to remain long at home, and in a short time he returned to Philadelphia, in the hope of gaining assistance. Arthur Donaldson, a citizen, had at that time considerable reputation as a person of ingenuity, and was possessed of means. He had been one of the contractors to remove from the Delaware river chevaux de frise, placed there during the Revolutionary war, which task was executed to the satisfaction of the public. He had also invented a machine for cleaning out docks, which he called "the Hippopotamus, and had been granted special privileges in the invention, for a term of years, by the Assembly of the State. To this person Fitch applied, in the hope of assistance, and requested him to join him as partner. Donaldson seemed enamoured of the scheme. " It did not appear," says Fitch, " that he had ever thought of it, from his discourse with me," although the plan of the steamboat had been before the Assembly of the State two months previously. Donaldson did not finally decide upon the subject, but said he would consult with Levi Hollingsworth, before giving an answer. This interview took place on the 4th of February, 1786.

   The Assembly of New Jersey was in session at this time, and Fitch repaired to Trenton with the hope of accomplishing something by the assistance of that body. & law to provide for the emission of paper money had just been passed, and as the funded certificates were only worth five shillings in the pound, according to the market value, although interest at par was paid upon them, it was hoped by the friends of the steamboat that some scheme might be perfected to obtain the assistance of the State. The plan was, to induce the Legislature to pass a law, appropriating certificates to the value of £1000, for the encouragement of the steamboat. Stacy Potts, an intelligent citizen of Trenton, lent his aid to the scheme. It was argued, that thereby the State would save the payment of the interest upon the certificates, which would have to be liquidated if they were in the hands of other holders, beside which, there was the chance of a return of the whole sum in specie, or its equivalent, if the steamboat should succeed. The proposition met with a number of advocates, but it was opposed by Mr. Clerk, a leading member, whose influence was very considerable, and the bill was lost.

   Baffled in this endeavor, Fitch returned to Bucks County. Whilst there, he heard from an old woman who had lately been to Philadelphia and nursed an acquaintance of Arthur Donaldson, that there was much conversation in the family about the wonderful invention of a steamboat which had been made by Mr. Donaldson, and it was said that he intended to apply to the Legislature of Pennsylvania for an exclusive right to the machine. Alarmed at this intelligence, he hastened to the city, and visited Mr. Donaldson, who acknowledged that he had invented such an improvement, and intended to apply for an exclusive privilege to use it. It appeared that Mr. Donaldson had either hit upon or had been informed of the method of sucking in and voiding water through a tube, Suggested by Dr. Franklin to the Philosophical Society, and which was a modification of the idea of Bernouilli. Donaldson declared that he had a right to the sole ownership of any method of propulsion by steam, which differed from the plan of Fitch, which was a paddle wheel or the endless chain of paddles. Fitch, on the contrary, maintained that the force and power which was applied to navigation was the great principle of the invention, and that the method by which that power was rendered available, was an immaterial matter.

   Determined not to be supplanted in his claim by means which he considered unfair, he immediately presented a petition to the Legislature of Pennsylvania for an exclusive right to the propulsion of vessels " by fire and steam." This memorial was presented on the 11th of March. The next day Donaldson's memorial, claiming like privileges, for his method of navigation, was also laid before the Assembly.

   Leaving the matter thus, Fitch immediately set out to Trenton, where he petitioned the Legislature of New Jersey for a special law, fortifying his application by the following recommendation:

   We, the subscribers, have examined the principles of the steamboat constructed by John Fitch, and are of opinion that it may be the means of improving the navigation of these States to great advantage, and therefore deserves the protection and encouragement of the Legislature.

Isaac Smith,            Samuel Tucker,
John Cox,               Ransoler Williams,
Samuel Stockton,    John Stevens Jr.,
Wm. C. Houston,    William McBen,
Robert Person Jr.,   Abm. Hunt,
Stacy Potts,             Thos. Yard,
John Clunn,            Chas. Clunn.

   This measure was successful. In three days the law was passed. It bears date March 18th, 1786, and secured to John Fitch for fourteen years " The sole and exclusive right of constructing, making, using and employing, or navigating, all and every species or kinds of boats, or water craft, which might be urged or impelled by the force of fire or steam, in all the creeks, rivers, &c., within the territory or jurisdiction of this State. 
   
   Returning to Philadelphia, Fitch prepared another petition to the Assembly of Pennsylvania, in which he set forth the circumstances attending his first idea of the invention, and produced the certificates of Rev. Nathaniel Irwin, Abraham Lukens, Seneca Lukens, Daniel Longstreth, James Scout, and John Folwell, of Bucks County, that as early as June, 1785, he had told them, that he had invented a machine for working a boat by steam, and had shown them drafts of it. He stated what his proceedings had been in Virginia, and referred to the bond given to Gov. Patrick Henry. He then offered to prove by Mr. Burrows that he, himself, had first informed Donaldson of the invention of the steamboat and described the force and power, and that Donaldson did not at that time say that he had ever thought of such a means of propulsion. Referring, also, to the law lately passed in New Jersey, he prayed for an investigation into the truth of his allegations. The conflicting claims on the 23d of March were referred to a committee, consisting of Messrs. Clymer, Rittenhouse, Gray, Whitehill, and Irvine, who deferred any action upon them until the next session. The formation of a company, to assist in the necessary experiments by the advancement of money, was now the principal thought of this persevering man. He came to Philadelphia for that purpose on the 17th of April, and in one week had obtained a sufficient number of subscribers. The number of shares was to be forty, of which Fitch was, for his merit as original inventor, and for his subsequent labor, to have one-half. No particular amount was settled upon as the limit to be paid on each share. The subscribers very generally made a payment of twenty dollars per share, and with a sum exceeding three hundred dollars the experiments were commenced. The first great difficulty was the making of a steam-engine, a piece of machinery which the mechanical capability of the country was scarcely able to furnish. John Nancarrow, of Philadelphia, the proprietor of a steel furnace, was employed for the purpose of constructing this important agent for the future working of the experiment. He delayed the impatient projector very much, but in thirty days he produced his drafts, which were such as Fitch could not approve. " It was to work upon the old-fashioned plan of engine [atmospheric, it is presumed], and was to have a weight to raise the piston." Although Nancarrow had considerable reputation, and the steamboat projector had none, he stood out stoutly against the design, and succeeded in persuading the company; to reject it. Propositions were then made, that the inventor should proceed to New York, to procure the aid of Mr. Hornblower, or Christopher Colles, an ingenious and scientific Irishman, whose learning and skill in machinery and particularly steam machinery, were widely known and respected throughout the States.
   Whilst this matter was under consideration, Fitch became acquainted with Henry Voight, a watchmaker, with whose ingenuity he became very much impressed. After three or four conversations with him, he felt confident that it would be unnecessary to go to New York, for the purpose of obtaining plans for a steam-engine, but that the man to construct it was to be found nearer. Voight took an interest in the scheme, and made such sensible suggestions, that Fitch desired no better
assistant. He offered him a share in the Company, if he would aid him, to which the watch-maker assented. Some years afterward, Fitch recorded his opinions of his coajutor in this manner:
_

   Mr. Voight is a Plain Dutchman, who fears no man, and will always speak his sentiments, which has given offense to some of the Members of our Co., and some of them have effected to have a contemptable an opinion of his Philosophic abilities. It is true he is not a man of Letters, nor mathematical Knowledge but for my own part, I would depend on him more than a Franklin, a Rittenhouse, an Ellicot, a Nancarrow, and Matlack all combined, as he is a man of superior Mechanical abilities, and Very considerable Natural Philosophy; and as we have many of the first Geniuses in our Co., perhaps nearly equal to those I have mentioned, it is Certain that he has pointed out more defects than them all, and pointed out ways to remedy those defects, when consternation sat silent in every brest for the disaster."

   Deferring to the scientific authority of Dr. Franklin, Fitch seems to have determined to build his boat so as to suck in and eject water, and the hull was ordered to be built on that plan, but Voight soon induced him to give up that design.

  The first suggestion made by the new colleague was, that a working model of a steam-engine should be made. They accordingly commenced a small one, the cylinder being only of one inch diameter, which when completed would not work regularly, the force not being sufficient to overcome the friction. The expense was but trifling, being £3 Pennsylvania currency. It was the first steam-engine of any kind that Fitch had ever seen, and although he had for so long a time indulged an enthusiastic opinion of the wonderfully elastic  powers of the vapor, we can easily imagine his joy when he saw his ideas practically although imperfectly demonstrated.

   Immediate attention was given to the preparation of a new model, with a three-inch cylinder. At the same time a small skiff was prepared, "in order to try the effect of the propelling apparatus by hand."

   The following letter in relation to the hopes entertained of the experiment about this time, was written to Stacy Potts, of Trenton, N. J., who was then a shareholder in the company:

                Philadelphia, 13 July, 1786.

   SIR-We have not got our engine to work yet, owing to the pumps for the injection water which are have had to make over near, yet see no reason why we should not get it to work in 3 or four days; our machinery is nearly complete for trying the boat which we shall do next week by hand; when we can nearly assertion what effect it will have when the engine is put to it; I hope in a short time to be able to inform you what success we are like to meet with, when these experiments are made; we shall have about £100 to make the experiment with, but believe if this engine works well it will sell for nearly as much as we have expended, which may put us on our former footing. Sir. I would not sent an order for the three dollars, but out of necessity which obliges me to make it, my expectations are daly increasing as to the success of our undertaking, and dout not but it will be a matter of the first magnitude to the World. With the most Perfect Respect I beg leave to subscribe myself
Your Most devoted and humble servant
                                           John Fitch.


  Mr. Stacy Potts.

   Voight and Fitch tried experiments on the skiff with "a screw of paddles," the endless chain, and one or two other modes, "which did not answer their expectations." These trials probably took place about the 20th of July, 1786, and they were witnessed by several persons who, expecting a better result, "jeered and scoffed" at Fitch and Voight when they came on shore. Much disheartened, the inventor went off to a tavern, and in his journal he says that he "used considerable West India produce that evening." The next day he felt very much ashamed of himself, and in the evening he went to bed at an early hour, but not to sleep. In narrating his thoughts at this time he says, "About twelve o'clock at night the idea struck me about cranks and paddles for rowing of a boat, and after considering it some time, was sure it would be the best way that a vessel could be propelled by oars." At length he became so uneasy, for fear that he should forget, or lose the idea, that he got up about one o'clock, struck a light, and drew a plan, at which he was delighted. He was so excited that it was altogether impossible for him to sleep. At sunrise he sought the residence of Voight, and showed him the draft. It gave them much encouragement, and they at once determined to get a small crank in order to try the invention in the skiff. The working of the oars was perfect, and the success of this method of propulsion gave them fresh spirits. The first plan was improved by a suggestion of Voight. Fitch had proposed that the oars should run through holes in a stationary frame-work, which produced much friction and noise. In place of this method, Voight proposed that the oars should be attached to arms, which obviated the specified objection. The engine now seems to have been completed, and being placed in the boat, it was attached to the new working oars. The result is thus told in a letter to Mr. Potts:

                 Philadelphia, 28 July, 1786.

   MY WORTHY FRIEND-This may inform you that I have completed my experiments yesterday and find that they exceed my most sanguine expectations, we let out seven knot of Log line and had not more than half of the Purchase that we shall have on a Large Boat; we have now tried every grot and reduced it as certain as any thing can be that we shall not come short of ten miles per Hour, if not 12 or 14-I will say fourteen in Theory, and Ten in practice-the company is to meet tomorrow Evening, and I doubt not they will Pursue it on a larger scale and make a Boat of 20 Tons Burthen, and a 12 Inch Cylinder.
I have lately invented an easy, simple and practicable way of rowing a Boat, applicable for an Engine, where I am persuaded that the strength of two men will do the work of three, at any rate with one man in our Boat we fear no one man going before us, notwithstanding our oars are not properly adjusted. I shall do myself the pleasure of letting you hear from time to time how we proceed, and expect there will be Greater advances of Money called for as there is upward of £60 of the money expended.
  I beg leave to subscribe myself Your Ever Faithful Friend and Humble Servt 
                                        John Fitch.
   Mr. Stacy Potts. 

   Speaking of his success, he says of the model, "It fully convinced me that the steam-engine might be worked both ways as well as one." His letter of congratulation to Mr. Potts was followed by a reply from the latter, which showed that already one patron was lost. It was in these words:

                      Trenton, Sept. 2d, 1786.

   FRIEND FITCH-It affords me great satisfaction to find that the invention of the Steamboat is likely, now, to be applied to useful and valuable purposes, to the benefit and advantage of mankind in general, and the emolument and aggrandizement of the Proprietors in particular; and I shall reflect with pleasure on the encouragement I have given, and the ardent wishes I have entertained for its success: But as it has now become a matter of property, is likely to be lucrative and interesting to the sharers, and may soon be made very extensive on the different waters of the United States; in order to avoid the difficulties and embarrassments of a scheme of such Magnitude, and support a harmony and friendship among the members who are interested, I have thought it absolutely necessary that the parties should live so contiguous, as to enjoy without difficulty the advantage of frequent consultation, therefore conclude it best for one to decline any further concern in the scheme; which is now capable of carrying itself on, with advantage to such company of proprietors as may unite for that purpose in and about Philadelphia; yet with a hope, that if the company should hereafter conclude to divide the care of the different departments of the plan, when extended to its great expanded usefulness, some part thereof may perhaps come with propriety within the compass of my convenient attention, when I should be glad to be considered as one of its friends and promoters.

                            from thy friend
                                        Stacy Potts.

   The model had done its work; It had moved the small boat on the Delaware, and as the funds of the Company were getting low, the idea of disposing of the 
engine was acted upon, in a manner which the following letter will show:

                        Philad., 4 Septm., 1786.
 
   SIR-In a conference that I had the honour of with your Excellency, I heard you mention, that the Philosophical Society ought to be furnished with a Model of a Steam Engine, and having completed one upon a small scale, would be exceedingly happy should it meet your Patronage so far as to recommend the purchase of it, to the sd learned Society, of whom Honored Sir, you are President. I am now morally sure from Experience, that a vessel may be propelled to great advantage thro the Water, by means of a steam-engine, and have undertaken the work upon a large scale, but am apprehensive that the money raised will be insufficient for the purpose. This Engine which we would wish to dispose of, cost us about One hundred Dollars, but notwithstanding, whatever may be offered by the Society, will be thankfully accepted of. The principles upon which it operates are good, and will in every respect communicate a satisfactory Knowledge of n steam Engine, and in some measure of its power. Yet it has some defects, which are chiefly the following, viz.-1st the stove and Boiler, being small, the steam is not sufficient to move the Piston, more than about twenty strokes per minute. 2nd The Piston being worked both ways by steam, its rod soon becomes heated, that it cannot move home one way, by a space of from half an inch to Two inches, by its then creating steam. 3d The Pumps which alternately inject water into the cylinder causes too small friction: yet notwithstanding these Difficulties the Piston moves with considerable Velocity, when unloaded, and is supplied with steam. I humbly beg leave to submit this to your excellency and beg permission to subscribe myself

 Your Excellencys ever Faithful and
          most Devoted Humble Servant
                                        John Fitch. 
His Excellency, Dr. Franklin.

   This application was not favorably received. No action was taken by the society in reference to the purchase of the model.