Believing myself able to furnish the mode by which a vessell may be constructed, so as to communicate fire to and consume or blow up the Ships of War of an Enemy, without danger to those within it; and wishing to communicate that knowledge for the advantage of my country, I take the liberty of soliciting the attention of the president of the United States to it, and should be happy if an opportunity of explaining the nature of the invention could be afforded me.   To solicit an opportunity, is the object of this letter.

With great consideration & respect I am Sir, your obed Servt.