1From Thomas Jefferson to James Rumsey, 10 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Being near the time of my departure, I am anxious to know before I go if possible the fate of your experiment. Monsr. Leroy told me that there was a difficulty with the committee of the academy, arising as he apprehended from their not understanding your principles; but that the experiment being once tried succesfully there would be no doubt of your obtaining the exclusive privilege. And as we...
2From Thomas Jefferson to James Rumsey, 14 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 4th. instant and will pay attention to what you say on the subject of the Barker’s mill your friends beyond the water are about to erect. I am sincerely sorry not to have known the result of your experiment for steam navigation before my departure. Tho I have already been detained here and at Havre 16. days by contrary winds I mu[ch] hope that detention will...