The life of Robert Fulton ... accompanied with copies of Mr. Fulton's original drawings and numerous plates, exhibiting the leading incidents and ornaments of his private character; his elevated principles of action; his uncommon usefulness and celebrity, and his undying fame

Front matter

^ mn to

DATE DUE

J

Introduction

Page

Keply to the British Cyclopaedia of Arts 14

A remarkable witness, the Dean of Kipon, England 18

Extract from the Address of C. D. HoMen, Esq., delivered before

the Philosophical Society of New York 22

Extract from a Discourse delivered before the American Academy of

the Arts hj his Excellency De Witt Clinton, Governor of New

York 23

Extract from a Discourse delivered before the New York Historical

Society by the Hon. Gouverneur Morris 24

MoNtmEirTS to the memory of Robert Fulton 27

CHAPTER I. Robert Fulton's birthplace and parentage 29

His conduct at school 31

Making sky-rockets 33

Making ornaments for guns 84

Nicknamed "quicksilver Bob" 35

Manufacturing air-guns 85

Fishing-boat with paddle-wheels 37

Pencil sketch of Whigs and Rebels 37

Chapter II. The Homestead

Robert Fulton's genius and talent as an artist, and his noble conduct

on his birthday 8^

Persuaded to make a voyage to England, for the benefit of his health 40

The GoLDEK Deed of the widow's son 41

His filial piety, that never can be too much commended.... < 44

VI CONTENTS.

Chapter III. Pine Aets, And Mechanic Akts — A Shob.t Histobt

OP BENJAMIN WEST, AND THE INVENTIONS OP MB.

PULTON.

Pago

Mr. Fulton's reception by Benjamin West, and his success as a

painter 46

His acquaintance with men celebrated for the love of science. « 47

Becomes a civic engineer and mechanist 47

His address to the citizens of Philadelphia, urging them to establish an Institute for the Fine Arts, and purchase the paintings of

Benjamin West 48

At the sale of the pictures of the Royal Academy, in 1805, he purchases West's Ophelia and King Lear 48

A short history of Benjamin West 49

Mr. Fulton's devoted attachment to the Hon. Joel Barlow, American

Minister 50

The first panorama that was exhibited in Paris was painted by Mr.

Fulton 56

His numerous and extraordinary inventions 57

The Hon. John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson certify to Congress the invaluable services rendered to the conntry by Mr.

Fulton at the great battle of New Orleans 63

He exposes the imposition in Redheffer's Perpetual Motion 65

Chapter IV

EXTBACTS PBOM THE "COLUMBIAD," WITH THE ELE- GANT PLATES DESIGNED BT ME. PULTON.

The friendship of the Hon. Joel Barlow 69

The vision of Columbus 70

The savage armies march down the mountains of Peru. The Peruvians engage the savages. Exploits of Capac, and death of

Zamor, the savage chief. 72

Vision confined to North America. Congress endeavours to arrest

the violence of England , 73

-British cruelty to American prisoners 75

The murder of Lucinda (Miss Macrea) by the Indians 79

Capture of Comwallis and his army. Their banners furled and muskets piled on the field of battle. The triumph of Washington

and the brave Lincoln 79

The Rape of the Golden Fleece g^

Initiation to the mysteries of Isis. Progress of the Arts and Sciences 82

The final resignation of prejudices : a grand conception 83

CONTENTS. Vll

Chapter V. Inland Navigation, Civil Enoinebbino, And States- Manship Ob Fulton

Page

lu 1796, Mr. Fulton published in London his admirable "Treatise

on Canal Navigation" 86

His models, machines, and drawings, were approved by the British

Board of Agriculture 88

Receives a flattering acknowledgment from General Washington 89

He wrote a work addressed to the "friends of mankind," for the

promotion of knowledge and industry 90

Another volume — " Thoughts on Free Trade" 91

January, 1807, he was invited by General Dearborn, then Secretary of the War Department, to make the necessary surveys and drafts for a canal from Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi 92

His cast-iron aqueducts 93

Inclined-Planes , 98

Mr. Fulton appointed by the Legislature of New York one of the commissioners to explore the route of an inland navigation

from Hudson river to Lakes Ontario and Erie 102

He communicates in writing with the ablest men then living, on the

subjects of "education, and the arts and sciences" 105

CHAPTER VI. TOBPEDOes

Mr. Fulton's proceedings in France excited the alarm of the British Cabinet. In 1804, he was written to proceed to London. The British Ministry appointed a commission to examine his projects. In the night, tftrpedoes were thrown, by boats from a Pritish squadron, across the bows of two of the French gun-brigs. The Frenchmen exclaimed, with horror, "that the infernal machines were coming" 109

VUl CONTENTS.

Page

He blew up a strong-built Danish brig in Walmar roads ^'■■^

October, 1806, he embarked for New York, and exhibited his terpens does on Governor's Island

July, 1807, he blew up with a torpedo, in the harbor of New York, a large hulk brig, which had been provided for this purpose

Soon after this, he published his work entitled "Torpedo War; or. Submarine Explosions," and prefaced it with his favourite sentiment — " The freedom of the seas will be the happiness of the earth." He addressed it to the President of the United States, and to the members of both Houses of Congress Ho

The sloop-of-war Argus, then commanded by the gallant Captain Lawrence, by the directions of the U. S. Government, was made ready at the New York Navy-Yard, under the orders of Commodore Rodgers, to be experimented on by Mr. Fulton's mode of torpedo warfare 125

Mr. Fulton succeeded in cutting off a fourteen-inch cable, which was attached to a vessel that had been anchored in the stream for the purpose 128

In 1813, were granted letters patent for improvements in the art of maritime warfare, to destroy ships and vessels-of-war by submarine cannons 136

CHAPTER VII. SUBMAEINE NAVIGATION, AND PL UNQINa-B O AT

In 1801, Mr. Fulton proposed to Bonaparte, "to deliver France and

the whole world from British oppression," by submarine boats.. 139

His extraordinary and successful experiment with his plunging-boat

"Nautilus," in the harbor of Brest 140

He blows a vessel to fragments, by a- bomb from the "Nautilus."

The fragments were thrown from 80 to 100 feet in the air..... 14g

He rejects the overture from the British Government to suppress his inventions, and sacrifices all to the safety, independence, and interest of America 24g

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER VlII.

Page Tulton's gigantic mind 148

Dr. Papin, SaTery, Marquis of Worcester, Dr. John Allen, OliTer

Jonathan Hnll, James Rumsey, and the Marquis de Jeffrey's inventions 151 The invention and remarkable ■msh of that ardent projector, John Fitch, will never be forgotten so long as ^he song of the boatman and the music of the steam-engine enliven the shores of the Ohio , 152

Patrick Miller and William Symington's inventions 153

CHAPTER IX. STEAM NAVIGATION, AND FULTON's StrCCBSS

Mr. Fulton gave to Watt and Bolton, of England, instructions for constructing the first engine which was successfully used in a boat 157

He investigated on principle the difficulties of the subject, and

triumphed .- 158

Scientific gentlemen reported their doubts of the utility and practicability of his invention 160

Robert Livingston, Esq., of New York, and Mr. Fulton, formed a

friendship and connection with each other 164

The " Clermont," the first steam packet that ever moved upon the

waters 169

Robert Fulton and H. Freeland's letters 173

Hostility to Mr. Fulton's boat 177

Mr. Fulton exhibits to a committee his model and plans of a vesselj.

of-war; which are approved of by the U. S. naval ofBcers.... 181

The English were informed as to the preparations for building this

steam frigate, and became alarmed 188

The submarine boat— the "Mute" 189

CONTENTS.

Chapter X

Pago Liyngston and Fulton's difficulties in maintaining the protection of their exclusive grants, and the able speech of their counsel,

Mr. Emmet, at the bar of the House 192

Mr. Fulton's illness and death, and the great respect paid to his

1Q7 memory

His family 200

His grave, in Trinity churchyard. New York 201

CHAPTEK XI.

The last Trill and testament of Robert Fulton 206

CHAPTER XII The American steamship "Savannah," the first ocean steamer 212

The "Atlantic" steamship, in ia54 221

Chapter XIII. Extracts Fbom The Public Kecobds

Report of the Secretary of the Navy 224

Report of the Secretary of War (Governor Cass) to Congress : approved by the message of General Jackson 241

Fulton's letter to Governor Mifflin 261

His letter to Hon. Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury 272

His letter to Gouvemeur Morris, President of the Board of Commissioners of the Western Canal, New York 289 tu\ al lllnstriitinns.

Page

1. J. F. Eeigart's Portrait

2. Steamships

8. Fulton's likeness, or frontispiece

4. The Fvdton Farm 29

5. Robert Fulton's first experiment Trith paddle-wheels, in the

summer of 1779, on the Conestoga 36

7. The Golden Deed 41

8. The Vision — " Hesper appearing to Columbus in prison" 70

9. Csesar passing the Kubicon 73

10. Cruelty presiding over the prison-ship 75

11. Murder of Miss Macrea by the Indians 77

12. Cornwallis resigning his sword to Washington 79

13. Initiation to the mysteries of Isis 82

14. The final resignation of prejudices. The old idols, and the

agents of the woes of man, lie trampled in the dust, at the

footstool of the Genius of America 83

15. Cast-iron aqueducts 93

16. Double Inclined-Planes, for which the British Government granted

letters patent. May, 1794 98

17. Brig blown up: her annihilation complete 113

18. Torpedoes, harpoon, etc 120

19. The submarine vessels — the "Nautilus" and "Mute" 140

XU LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page

20. John Fitch's steamboat on the Delaware river, opposite Phila-

delphia 152

21. Jonathan Hull and Patrick Miller's steamboats 154

22. The "Clermont," the first steam packet that ever moved upon

the waters 171

23. The vessel-of-war called "Fulton the First," or "Demologos"... 186^

24. Fulton's grave, in Trinity churchyard, New York city 201

25. The "Savannah" 212

26. The "Atlantic" 221

L N.ROSfNTHAL S LITH PHIL--

INTRODUCTION.

As a citizen of Lancaster, intimately familiar with its history and with its oldest inhabitants, we know that they are best acquainted with the true history of Robert Fulton ; whilst " the garden of Pennsylvania" the brightest spot on earth, still retains his Birthplace as a brilliant memorial of her most meritorious son. We have endeavoured, to exhibit an impartial history of his life ; and to accompUsh this has been the labour of sevferal years. In collecting the facts, many of our oldest citizens were consulted; and from them the most correct accounts and incidents of his youthful history were obtained. From his cradle to his grave, there cannot be discovered one single spot or blemish that casts a shadow on his honorable career. To pursue the chain of his life, and develop every link, was a task requiring much research ; and we thankfully acknowledge our indebtedness for aid in our effort to many individuals who cheerfully furnished us 2 (^»0

XIV INTRODtrCTION.

with the essential data : especially are we grateful for copies of extracts from the minutes and records of several Historical Societies and public offices of New York city, to the " Scientific American" and " People's Journal," and to our obliging friend Dr- Theodore F. Engelbrecht. The kindness of the Hon. Actuary, Mr. Hamilton, and the officers of the Franklin Institute Library of Philadelphia, is also properly appreciated, as well as the important service rendered by Messrs. Cyrus Underwood and Daniel K. Albright, of Washington county, Penna., in furnishing the drawing of Fulton's homestead and the copies of records.

The British "Cyclopaedia of Arts," lately published, has endeavoured to place Mr. Fulton's unpar ralleled inventive genius on the same level with their canal-boat builders. It alleges that Mr. Fulton saw Mr. Symington's canal-boat, and that it was Mr. Symington's invention that deserved all the credit of steam navigation. If so, why did not Mr. Symington, start his canal-boat on the river Clyde, or across the ocean? Mr. Symington was mechanic enough to know that his double boat, with a solitary wheel in the stern, might gUde along the smooth current of a canal, but could not resist the ocean waves. His knowledge of steam navigation was very limited, and did not become

INTRODUCTION. XV

of any practical use, even to canals. He deserves, however, credit for his invention, so far as he was capable of maturing it, but not one tittle more. We are not a little surprised that an histprian, an author of a standard impartial work, as the British Cyclopaedia of Arts ought to be, should give Mr. Symington all the. credit of steam navigation because his canal-boat was seen floating one day on a smooth current, and heard of no more, excepting that it was left to decay and rot on the canal ; and we feel free to say that such an one not only does not understand the nature of an invention, but displays gross partiality^ an illiberal spirit, and total ignorance of what is due the worthiest of inventors. We, moreover, boldly declare that no man ever lived before or since Robert Fulton who did so fully and perfectly understand steam navigation, submarine navigation, and inland navigation ; and whose experiments and successful improvements created the same interest and astonishment throughout the world. Nor will we admit that his genius has ever been equalled, until reliable records disprove his claims to being the man who built a floating castle, in the shape of an immense steam vessel of war, to divide asunder the rolling billows of the stormy ocean, and alarm the navies of the world ; and who erected a terrible engine of war

XVI INTKODTJCTION.

like the Nautilus, that, with its sailSj could be guided above the waves when and where its inventor and commander willed — then in a moment lower and hide its masts and sails, and, like a sea^ bird, plunge into the watery element, and glide unseen at the bottom of the waters, avoid the pursuit of an enemy, and rise again several miles from the place where it descended ; and who projected Double Inclined-Planes for canals, to connect the great lakes of America, ^to spread the Commerce of the world; and whose days and nights were devoted to improvements in the arts and sciences ; and whose every act was, first, "Ais country and his country's good;" and who, as a universal benefactor, on each and every occasion that presented itself, proclaimed that most sublime motto : " The liberty of the seas will he the happiness of the earth;" and whose mind and inventions attracted and engaged the attention of the greatest powers of Europe, whilst his life was the wonder and amazement of his countrymen; and his death was marked with the highest honours that ever were manifested to any civilian in this or any other country — not till then, we say, can we admit that Fulton's genius was ever equalled; and, we are persuaded, not until Lancaster county, "the garden of Pennsylvania," becomes

INTRODUCTION. xvii

"A barren waste, ■Without one spot of green, of feeling, or of taste,"

shall the name of this great man be used with disparagement or reproach by any historian in this or any other country.

The British "Cyclopaedia of Arts" says "this Fulton" paid a visit to Scotland, and saw Mr. Symington's canal-boat, and got aU his information from Mr. Symington. "We would not have noticed Mr. Symington's failure in steam navigation, or Mr. "Watt's credit as an engine-builder, but for the injustice done to Mr. Fulton by "this unjust British Cyclopasdia of Arts." In 1765, Mr. James "Watt, of England, improved the steam-engine, (first invented by the Marquis of "Worcester, in 1663,) and was the great and successful inventor of stationary steam-engines. It is a well-known fact, however, that Mr. Fulton called on him and ordered an engine to be built, of a size, make, and power which he described, gave Mr. Watt the proper dimensions and proportions, the mode of connexion between the pistons and cranks, the exact form and construction, as Mr. Fulton's own mechanical knowledge and calculations dictated and directed, according to his (Fulton's) own improved plan, specifications and sectional drawings, suitable only for steam navigation, and which have been universally 2* B

Xviii INTEODUCTION.

adopted in every successful steamboat since tlie "Clermont" sailed; and, but for this fact, we should, at this late day, h'i no farther advanced in steam navigation than we were when Symington left off on the canal. Dr. Kees' Cyclopedia and^, Dr. Brewster's Cyclopaedia both show that, mitil Fulton's movement, steam navigation had no real existence; and they are too sound authorities to be doubted, especially when it is recollected that they published the facts so soon after Mr. Fulton's successful experiments were universally acknowledged by every honourable contemporaneous writer and publisher. ' "^ There are still living numerous witnesses who bear testimony of the original invention of Eobert Fulton, Esq.; and one, as late as October, 1855, in Mr. Symington's own neighbourhood, has honourably shown himself to be

"A Kemaekable Witness. — Those who have only casually observed and reflected on the mighty revolution accomplished by steam in nearly all departments of human industry and enterprise, and especially in the navigation of the world's waters, and the operations of travel and commerce, can^ have scarcely an adequate conception of the gigantic triumph of this subtle element, in less than half a century. But there was a man among the festival party gathered in honour of the splendid new Cunard steamer Persia, (390 feet in length,

INTRODTJCTION. XIX

and of 3,600 tons burden), at Glasgow, who could feel all the greatness of this triunaph. That man was the Dean of Eipon, England, who, being toasted, stated that forty-eight years ago he accompanied Robert Fulton on his first steamer trial trip on the Hudson river — that heing the first successful trial ever made. He thanked God that he had been spared to witness this perfected steamer, the Persia, the most magnificent vessel afloat; and that, coupled with the long succession of triumphs of steam, which he had carefully observed, whether on the sea or on the land, the triumphs of peace, intelligence, and a broader brotherhood, had gone hand in hand. He trusted and prayed that this would continue to be the history of steam — the most potent of all the agencies of enterprise and civilization." — N. Y. Mirror.

In preparing this work for publication, it seems proper to state, what the reader perhaps will readily conceive, the difficulties that we had to encounter. As an ardent admirer of the genius of Fulton, we imagined that a history of his life Would be considered interesting and instructive. We commenced the task, and soon found that it was possible to write and compile a volume of this character. But to succeed in the enterprise of writing a history of all Fulton's acts, and the events of his life, and all his discoveries and inventions, we felt was far beyond our capacity. We searched for months through the portraits of biographies, carefully read

XX INTRODUCTION.

the pages of cyclopaedias, the histories of statesmen, of warriors, of inventors, and though we would not exalt tlie cTmracter of one inventor at the expense of another, yet we must say, that the more we searched were we forced to conclude that Eobert Fulton was the most distinguished inventor the world has ever produced. All the written laudations that mortal man can bestow, cannot convey a more correct and complete idea of Fulton's life than the plain narration of facts, showing his acts as they are already inscribed upon the scroll of fame.

"Worlds beyond worlds shall bring to light their stores, Time, nature, science, blend their utmost powers, To show, concentred in one blaze of fame, The ungather'd glories that await his name."

Robert Fulton was a man at fifteen years of age, and his whole life exhibited the boldest statesmanship— evincing a mature knowledge of the arts of government. In his minority he was the most industrious and skilful miniature painter, numerical calculator, mechanical draughtsman, original and practical artist, and remarkable caricaturist, exhibiting a perfect knowledge of human nature.

He was the most obedient and noblest son a virtuous mother ever bore, the most affectionate rbrother that sisters ever owned; and the records

INTRODUCTION. XXI

of history do not describe a youth of such unblemished character, or of equal talents.

During his later years, his acts and inventions were of such an extraordinary character, that the eminent philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, who had tamed the thunders of the cloud-capped skies, the world-renowned Emperor Napoleon, who had crossed the Alpine rocks and blown up the magazines of nations, and the wise directors of scientific and philosophical societies, who had collected the arts and sciences of the world, could not comprehend them, and publicly rejected and repudiated them as visionary and impracticable.

To some this may appear exaggeration;, but the generous inventor, who has ever recognized Fulton as the HERO of inventors, will cheerfully acknowledge that, though others may have been conducted in the paths of science by superior learning, and may have had a more dazzling career, the labours of no individual have manifested the same origir nality, have been more honourable, meritorious, or practically useful. He put the first machine into practice, and became the real inventor.

He was a director of the American Academy of Fine Arts, a member of the New York Historical and Philosophical Society, of the United States Military and Philosophical Society, and of

Xxii INTEODUCTION.

the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York.

To confirm our ideas of the greatness of Fulton, great in all his inventions, and to show that none knew him but to admire and love him, we refer our readers to the following generous sentiments, expressed by learned and prominent Americans shortly after his decease :

Extract from the Address — a Memoir of Bohert Fulton, Esq. — delivered hefore the Literary and Philosophical Society of Nexo YorJc, March 12, 1817, hy a D. Golden, Esq.

" Gentlemen :

" In compliance with the practice of institutions similar to our own, this Society has resolved to preserve on its records memorials of the lives of those who have been its distinguished associates — who have contributed to its reputation and honour by their virtues, their genius, and by the employment of their talents.

" It is greatly to be lamented that the first subject for a record of this kind should be an associate taken from us in the prime of his life, and in the midst of his usefulness ; whose virtues and manners endeared him to all who knew him, and whose loss has been lamented as a public calamity.

" We cannot think that it will be imputed to an undue partiality for our regretted associate, if we say that there cannot he found, on the records of departed worth, the name of a person to whose indi-

INTRODUCTION. XXlll

vidua! exertions manhind are more indebted tTian they are to the late Robert Fulton. The combined efforts of philosophers and statesmen have improved the condition of man, but no individual has conferred more im,portant benefits on his species than he whose memory now engages our attention."

Extract from a Disco%rse delivered before the American Academy of the Arts, by his Excelleiicy DeWitt Clinton, Qovernor of New Yorle.

" Fortunately for the interests of mankind, Mr. Livingston became acquainted with Egbert Fulton, a self-created man, who has risen into distinguished usefulness, and into exalted eminence, by the energies of his own genius, unsupported by extrinsic advantages.

" Mr. Fulton had directed the whole force of his mind to mathematical learning and mechanical philosophy. Plans of defence against maritime invasion, and of subf-quatic navigation, had occupied his reflections. During the late war, he was the Archimedes of his cowrdry.

"The poet was considered under the influence of a disordered imagination when he exclaimed :

" ' Soon shall thy arm, unconquer'd steam, afar Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car ; Or on wide-waving wings expanded bear The flying chariot through the fields of air !'

" The connexion between Livingston and Fulton realized, to a great degree, the vision of the poet. All former experiments had failed, and the genius of Fulton, aided and fostered by the public spirit

XXIV INTEODUCTION.

and discernment of Livingston, created one of the greatest accommodations for the benefit of mankind. These illustrious men will be considered, through all time, as the benefactors of the world ; they will be emphatically hailed as the Castor and Pollux of antiquity — lucida sidera — stars of excellent light and of most benign influence.

" Mr. Fulton was personally well known to most who hear me. To those who were favoured with the high communion of his superior mind, I need not expatiate on the wonderful vivacity, activity, comprehension, and clearness of his intellectual faculties; and while he was meditating plans of mighty import for his future fame and his country's good, he was cut down in the prime of his life, and in the midst of his usefulness. Like the self-burning tree of Gambia, he was destroyed by the fire of his own genius, and the never-ceasing activity of a vigorous mind."

Extract from a Discourse delivered hefiyre the New York Historical Society, in Septemhef, 1816, hy the Hon. Qouverneur Morris.

" If the learned leisure of European wealth can gain applause or emolument for meting out, by syllables reluctantly drawn together, unharmonious hexameters, far be it from us to rival the manufacture. Be it ours to boast that the first vessel successfully propelled by steam was launched on the bosom of Hudson's river. It was here that American genius, seizing the arm of European science, bent to the purpose of our favourite parent art the wildest and most devouring element.

INTRODUCTION. XXV

The patron, the inventor, are no more. But the names of Livingston and of Fulton, dear to fame, shall be engraven on a monument sacred to the BENEFACTORS OP MANKIND. There generations yet unborn shall read:

" ' Godfrey taught seamen to interrogate

With steady gaze, though tempest-tossed, the sun. And from his beam true oracle obtain. Franklin dread thunderbolts, with daring hand, Seized, and averted their destructive stroke From the protected dwellings of mankind. Fulton by flame compelled the angry sea, To vapour rarefied, his bark to drive. In tkiumph proud, thro' the loud-sounding surge.'

" This invention is spreading fast in the civilized world; and though excluded as yet from Russia, will, ere long, be extended to that vast empire. A bird hatched on the Hudson will soon people the floods of the Wolga, and cygnets descended from an American swan glide along the surface of the Caspian sea. Then -the hoary genius of Asia, high-throned on the peaks of Caucasus, his moist eye glistening while it glances over the ruins of Babylon, Persepolis, Jerusalem, and Palmyra, shall bow with grateful reverence to the inventive spirit of this Western World.

"Hail, Columbia! child of science, parent of useful arts — dear country, hail! Be it thine to meliorate the condition of man. Too many thrones have been reared by arms, cemented by blood, and reduced again to dust by the sanguinary conflict of arms. Let mankind enjoy at last the consolatory spectacle of thy throne, huilt hy industry on the basis

XXVI INTRODUCTION.

of 'peace, and sheltered under the wings of justice. May it be secured by a pious obedience to that Divine will which prescribes the moral orbit of empire with the same precision that his wisdom and power have displayed in whirling millions of planets round millions of suns through the vastness of infinite space."

In presenting this work to a generous public, we not only desire to attract the attention of American INVENTORS to the unparalleled perseverance of Fulton, but we call upon the youth of this country, "Young America," to honour the name of Fulton by imitating his exemplary acts, his industrious habits, and adopting his youthful motto : " There is nothing impossible to do."

No student possessed a mind more tremblingly alive upon the peculiar subjects of his pursuit than Mr. Fulton. His whole mind and heart were ' actively engaged in calculating how he could best promote the happiness of his fellow-man. No college lore, no academic shade in the forests of Lancaster county, had he to improve his intellect ; but on the quiet banks of the winding Conestoga stream he gathered natural strength and originality to express the conceptions of his own mind with force; and there did this youthful genius, under the impulse of a new thought, pursue the chain with which it was connected.

INTEODUCTION. XXVU

Another object of the author in publishing this book, is to collect money sufficient, from the proceeds of the sales, to erect, in the city of Lancaster and other places,

MONUMENTS TO THE MEMOET OF ROBERT FULTON;

and he has full confidence in his fellow-citizens, that they will cheerfully aid his humble efforts in this worthy project.

The monument will be of cast iron, a colossal statue of Kobert Fulton, supported by a richly ornamented pedestal, composed of heavy cast plates, containing twelve correct representations of Mr. Fulton's inventions and drawings, in alto relievo. From the original patterns and moulds, a large number of these statues and ornamented plates can be cast; and every city in the United States can be supplied, and enabled to perpetuate the fame of Fulton.

"'4''

THE

LOE OF EGBERT FULTON.

Chapter I. Early Tears Of Fulton

"The warrior's name, Tho' peal'd on all the tongues of fame, Sounds less harmonious to the grateful mind, Than his who fashions and improves mankind."

Robert Fulton was born in the township of Little Britain, (now called Fulton), in the county of Lancaster, and State of Pennsylvania, in the year seventeen hundred and sixty-five. He was of a respectable though not opulent family. His father, Robert Fulton, emigrated from Ireland when young: he had followed the tailoring business, but afterwards turned his attention to farming. His mother was of a respectable family by the name of Smith, established in Pennsylvania^

Robert Fulton, Sr., and Mary Smith, his wife, had five children — three daughters and two sons. Robert was their third child and eldest son.

Mr. Fulton bought, August 23, 1759, and resided 3* (29)