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"This strange-looking craft was the "CLERMONT," on her trial trip to Albany; and of the little knot of villagers mentioned above, the writer, then a boy in his eighth year, with his parents, formed a part; and I well remember the scene, one so well fitted to impress a lasting picture upon the mind of a child accustomed to watch the vessels that passed up and down the river.

"The forms of four persons were distinctly visible on the deck, as she passed the bluff-one of whom, doubtless, was Robert Fulton, who had on board with him all the cherished hopes of years, the most precious cargo the wonderful boat could carry.

"On her return trip, the curiosity she excited was scarcely less intense-the whole country talked of nothing but the sea-monster, belching forth fire and smoke. The fishermen became terrified, and rowed homewards, and they saw nothing but destruction devastating their fishinggrounds; whilst the wreaths of black vapour, and rushing noise of the paddle-wheels, foaming with the stirred-up waters, produced great excitement amongst the boatmen, until it was more intelligent than before; for the character of that curious boat, and the nature of the enterprise which she was pioneering, had been ascertained. From that time, Robert Fulton, Esq., became known and respected as the author and builder of the first STEAM PACKET; from which we plainly see the rapid improvement in commerce. and civilization. Who can doubt that Fulton's first packet boat has been the model steamer? Except in finer finish and greater size, there is no difference between it and the splendid steamships now crossing the Atlantic. Who can doubt that Fulton saw the meeting of all nations upon his boats, gathering together in unity and harmony, that the "freedom of the seas would be the happiness of the earth?" Who can doubt that Fulton saw the world circumnavigated by steam, and that his invention was carrying the messages of freedom to every land, that no man could tell all its benefits, or describe all its wonders? What a wonder

ful achievement! What a splendid triumph! Fulton was a man of unparalleled foresight und perseverance. His character and genius rise higher in our estimation, and still more grandly before our minds, the more we contemplate him. To write his history requires the noblest effort, and I trust you will be able to accomplish it. With my best wishes for your success, I subscribe myself,

"Very respectfully yours,

"H. FREELAND."

But it was not only to accidents arising from defects in the machinery that the boat was exposed it was soon perceived that she would interfere with the interests of those who were engaged in the ordinary navigation of the river. By many of these, Mr. Fulton was spoken of and treated as if he had introduced some project baneful to society. Many attempts were made to run the "CLERMONT" down by captains of sloops, who thought their trade would soon be gone. The boat became an object of their enmity: she was several times damaged by vessels running foul of her, if we may credit the testimony which was published in the newspapers of the time.

It is not unimportant to notice these facts; they illustrate the character of Mr. Fulton. They show what embarrassments are to be expected by those who introduce improvements in the arts which interfere with established interests or prejudices; and they evince the perseverance and resolution

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which were necessary to surmount the physical and moral difficulties which Mr. Fulton encountered. Sneered at by his own countrymen, called knave, fool, and enthusiast, yet he bravely lived all opposition down.

The spirit of hostility to the boat had so far manifested itself, that the Legislature thought it necessary, by this act, to declare combinations to destroy her, or wilful attempts to injure her, public offences, punishable by fine and imprison

ment.

Notwithstanding her misfortunes, the boat continued to run as a Packet, always loaded with passengers, for the remainder of the summer. In the course of the winter, she was enlarged; and in the spring of 1808, she again commenced her run as a Packet-boat, and continued it through the season. Since then, steam navigation has not ceased for a single day: its progress has been onward, and, to the praise of Robert Fulton, we are indebted to him for the perfect establishment of STEAM NAVIGATION.

In 1811 and 1812, two steamboats were built, under Mr. Fulton's directions, as ferry-boats for crossing the Hudson river, and, soon after, one of the same description for the East river. Of the former, Mr. Fulton wrote and published a descrip

tion in the American Medical and Philosophical Register for October, 1812.

These boats were what are called twin-boats; each of them being two complete hulls united by a deck or bridge: they are sharp at both ends, and move equally well with either end foremost, so that they cross and recross without losing any time by turning about. He contrived, with great ingenuity, floating docks for the reception of these boats, and a means by which they are brought to them without a shock.

In his publications respecting the Hudson river ferry-boats, which we have noticed, he has the following observations:

"In a new combination of this kind, it is not to be expected that everything should work to the best advantage in a first experiment, or that every requisite should be foreseen. The boat which I am now constructing will have some important improvements, particularly in the power of the engine to overcome strong ebb-tides; from which again other improvements will be made, as in all other new inventions. The present boat crosses the river, which is a mile and a half broad, when it is calm, in fifteen minutes the average time is twenty minutes. She has had in her at one time eight four-wheel carriages, twentynine horses, and one hundred passengers, and could have taken three hundred persons more."

If steam navigation could have been applied to no other purpose than to move these floating bridges over such streams as they cross, where other bridges

are impracticable, he who introduced it well deserved to be ranked among the benefactors of mankind.

A number of other boats were built, under the direction of Mr. Fulton and according to his plans, for steamboat companies formed in different parts of the United States: several of these were for the Ohio and Mississippi.

Let us for a moment consider what must be the consequences of introducing this species of navigation on these great rivers. Previously, they were in a great measure unnavigable, except in the direction of their currents; but now their streams may be ascended with less labour, and in less time, than they were formerly descended. Never before was there so extraordinary a demonstration that knowledge is power. The mind of an individual has contended with nature in her grandest form, and subdued what appeared to be her irresistible opposition.

If he could have created other rivers like the Mississippi and its tributary streams, to wind their thousands of miles through fertile valleys, he could not have done so great a good as he has done by furnishing the means of navigating her waters against their currents.

At the commencement of the year 1814, a number of the citizens of New York, alarmed at the

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