1To John Adams from Robert Fulton, 17 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Accept of my thanks for the letters which I received from you this morning, those from our minister in Russia are duplicates of letters I had the honor to receive from him about Six weeks past, The success of the useful arts must give real pleasure to every man of mind, and to none more than you whose knowledge of political economy enables you to trace all their happy consequences, there are...
2Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
As every advance in the arts which may You take a lively interest in every discovery which may be of use to america will give you pleasure, I I will communicate to you a discovery which one I have made, and on which I have just finished
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 3 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Notes and Estimate for Torpedo Experiments Dollars 6 Clockwork Locks 300 6 Instantaneous Do. 144
4Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 8 July 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
on the fourth inst , I sent you a letter containing drawings details and observations on my experiments on firing cannon under water, and the consequence of such a mode of conducting maritime war, on the preceding pages is an exact copy of Commodore Decaturs opinion in favor of this discovery, which from so experienced an officer must have weight with those who are not familiar with nautical...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 28 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
General Dearborn will inform you of the experiment for blowing up the Brig. I had arranged the machinery Accurately as in the case when I blew up the Vessel in Walmer Roads near Deal two years ago; I therefore did not Suspect any error or failure, yet both my locks missed fire, in consequence of the pans being turned beneath the Torpedoes, a circumstance which might not take place in One...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 9 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Robt Fultons compliments, to Mr. Jefferson will have the pleasure of waiting on the secretary of the Navy tomorrow Saturday the 10th at 11 Oclock. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
7Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 2 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day sent the dynamomatre in a vessel ※ The Virginia planter Capt Hayden Sails tomorrow to Richmond to the care of M r Jefferson ; it is in good order but all its hooks, links and fastenings with its leather packing case were lost in the shipwreck; I have therefore packed it in a deal box fitted to it so that it cannot move, thus I hope it will arrive safe, the necessary links or...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 5 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
As my business will call me to the North river in January I wished immediately to proceed to the finish of 4 torpedo locks and as many copper cases, that if required I might be able to make a satisfactory experiment early on the meeting of congress, I have thought it of some importance that the experiment should be made early in the session, for should it prove satisfactory and give the fair...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 9 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In the memoir on the importance of Canals which I have the honor to submit to your perusal, there is perhaps not one Idea new to you; my aim has not been novelty but to place the subject in that point of View that should make an impression on the people; and considering that the great mass of mankind, like children are to be instructed by a frequent Repetition of the same or similar Ideas: I...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 26 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you my thanks for the pamphlets of Mr. Cointeraux, and with them a specemin of Pisé the size of a Brick made in his manner which I think has many advantages over the old mode. a wall as dry as the specemin would not be much affected by the weather. if men had practice I think it might be made and put up for about 5 Shillings a perch or perhaps less. this Specemin Has Started in my...
11Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
So Soon as I published my pamphlet on Torpedoes at New York , I Sent 12 of them to M r Madison , begging of him to forward one to you. I have the pleasure now to Send you four copies for yourself and friends, with a copy of my address after a lecture which I delivered on the engines and their utility; This subject has now excited considerable Interest. A committee of the
12Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a sketch of a self acting Bélier Hydraulic it will be necessary to make it with care in measurements and spaces which each part is to pass through; I have no doubt you will succeed in the execution but should you fail you will then permit me to make you a model for the honor of progressing arts, and to establish the utility of my combination; Perhaps the enthusiasm which is...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 23 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On Arriving in England I find I Shall be detained some weeks longer than, I at first calculated I therefore forward your letters committed to my care in Paris, I am Sir with profound respect your most Obedient RC ( DLC ); at head of text: “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 16 Aug. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) Tadeusz Kosciuszko to TJ, 28 Apr. (2) Volney...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 24 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an estimate of the expence of a fair experiment on the practice and efficacy of Torpedoes, Should they prove to be a discovery which will give liberty to the seas, what a Blessing beyond calculation would it be to these states, to this great continent and all its future millions, by preventing every embarrassment with European and foreign nations; On my mind the...
15Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 4 th inst I had the honor to write you inclosing an account of my experiments on submarine firing, have the goodness to inform me if received is it and have sent it to M r Madison , RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r
16Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 7 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Much business having crowded upon me since the death of the Chancellor , I have not paid so early attention to your letter as I have wished, I hope the Dynamo m eter answered your purpose; as I have no use for it and you may be making some further experiments you will pleas to keep it, until I have occasion for it, when I will let you know,— M r Quinseys soapstone Stove gives out much heat...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 9 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As I leave this for New York, On wednesday the 15th Inst. I have invited some members of the senate and house of representatives, to call at Kalorama on Sunday next At One Oclock to see the experiment of harpooning, and investigate the principles of Torpedo attack; As this will probably be the Only good opportunity which I Shall have of exhibiting to you my system, by model and experiment, by...
18To James Madison from Robert Fulton, January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
January 1810. In January 1809 at Kalorama, Joel Barlow’s District of Columbia estate, Fulton demonstrated his torpedo to JM, Jefferson, and members of Congress. Favorable response encourages him to present details of his experiments in France and England, which have enabled him to correct the torpedo’s past defects. Asserts that his invention will prevent the necessity of an expensive naval...
19To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 8 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have succeeded in some very interesting experiments on firing cannon under water of which I intended sending you the drawings and details, but as I wished also to communicate them to Mr Jefferson and fearing that your indisposition would not at the time permit you to Study them with attention, I Sent them to him, he will forward them to you; Inclosed is Commodore Decaturs opinion of this new...
20To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 17 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
While making the experiments in France and England on Torpedo Attack, they were constantly opposed by the majority of persons interested in the marine, and it needs but little penetration to discover that the gentlemen of the Marine at Washington are not favorable to it. I excuse them as a would a Pope who rejected a profession of faith which might destroy his infalibility; But the nation and...
21To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
As I leave this for New York on wednesday the 15th. inst., I have invited some members of the Senate and house of representatives, to call at Kalorama on sunday next at One Oclock to see the experiments in performing and investigate the principles of Torpedo attack; As this will perhaps be the only good Opportunity which I Shall have of giving you exact Ideas on the whole system of operations...
22To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 18 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
Governor Ogden of New Jersey, now Major General Ogden has unjustly and ungenerously entered into a conspiracy to track down my patent right to Steam boats, he has built a steam-boat on my plan—copied me, and Wishing, to run her in opposition to me between this city and Jersey. He is anxious to have the command of New York that thereby he may gain the more influence to carry hi[s] plans into...
23To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 5 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
On Saturday morning 29 of Oct the steam frigate was safely launched, amidst the Acclamations of many thousand Anxious and now well pleased spectators, She draws 8 feet 2 inches of water which is 4 Inches less than I had calculated; She moves easy & appears to have removed from every mind all doubt of her success, She is pierced for, and will carry 32 long 32 pounders Served with red hot Shot;...
24To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 30 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I See a bill has passed for a second district Judge in this state, And as the necessity is great I beg leave to recommend that every thing reasonable be done to support the Madisonian interest, and that you recommend a Staunch friend to your interest to that office, to this end I call to your mind Mr Mathurin Livingston Soninlaw to Governor Lewis, who I believe is now in Washington, And beg of...
25To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 24 December 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Fulton. 24 December 1813. “‘… a Vessel of war of 24 guns to be moved by Steam without the aid of wind or Sails & particularly calculated for harbour and coast defence which to the United States is of the utmost importance.’ Fulton describes the activities of a committee headed by General Dearborn and Thomas Morris which is in unanimous agreement that every effort should be made...
26To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 23 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
Since the appropriation in favor of Steam floating batteries I have been extremely anxious to commence a work, which if executed as I hope it will be Will I am certain produce consequences most agreeable to you and important to the nation; But I have not yet heare’d from the secretary of the Navy giving me orders to proceed or where to find funds. Should there not be mony in the treasury for...
27To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 8 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
It gave me great pleasure to find that your mind had ranged through the consequences of a Successful experiment with the Steamship; in which you will contemplate the vast importance of having her finished with all possible dispatch, I therefore beg that you will have the goodness to Use your influence with the secretary of the Navy that there may be no delay in forwarding the whole amount of...
28To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 28 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
The question of the next president being now settled in the manner which was ardently desired by my best friends, I beg leave to place before your mind a subject on which I do not riquire of you any immediate answer, and I hope it will not occasion you one embarrassing sensation, for whether my proposal be admitted or rejected, the parties concerned will ever feel the same love and regard for...
29To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 25 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Should Mr Nelsons bill appropriating 30,000$ to encourage the destruction of enemys Vessels pass, and that Sum or part of it, be used for proper preperation and an organized system—of submarine attack, there is every reason to hope for succh success as will give you real pleasure, and animate the nation, an individual from his private purse cannot carry new improvements in war into effect...
30To George Washington from Robert Fulton, 5 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
Last evening Mr King presented me with your Letter aquainting me of the Receipt of my publication on Small Canals, which I hope you will Soon have time to Peruse in a tranquil Retirement from the Buisy operations of a Public Life; Therefore Looking forward to that period when the whole force of your Mind will Act upon the Internal improvement of our Country, by Promoting Agriculture and...