Having accidentally become acquainted with a Mr. Fitch from your City, whose curious experiments on the Delaware I had much heard of, I ask’d him a great many questions concerning his new method of applying the power of Steam, to which he answer’d with much diffidence and modesty, and communicated to me several Certificates from several of the most respectable persons in Philadelphia, a Copy of one of which I hereby transmit you. Anxious to know how far you think it may be rendered useful for inland Navigation, I take the liberty of asking your opinion concerning this new Invention of which I make no doubt you have often heard. Embracing this opportunity of recalling myself to your memory give me leave to present you with the assurances of my unfeigned respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant