In a conference that I had with your Excellency, I heard you mention, that the Philosophical Society ought to be furnished with a Model of a Steam Engine, and having compleated one upon a small Scale, I should be exceedingly happy, Sir, should it meet with your Patronage, so far as to recommend the purchase of it to the Society.

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 works 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 whatever may be offered by the Society will be thankfully accepted. The principles upon which it opperates are good, and will in every respect communicate a satisfactory knowledge of a Steam Engine, and in some meansure 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 Minut. 2nd. The Piston being worked both ways by Steam its rod soon becoms 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 much Friction: yet notwithstanding these Dificulties the Piston moves with consideragle Velosity when unloded, and is supplied with Steam. I humbly beg leave to submit this to your Excellency and beg permition to Subscribe myself your Excellencys ever Faithful and most Devoted Humble Servant