To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 25 July 1813
From Robert Fulton
New York July 25th 1813
Sir
Should Mr Nelsons bill appropriating 30,000$ to encourage the destruction of enemys Vessels pass,1 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 henc[e] I hope sir you will use the influence of your friend to have the Bill passed. Respectfully your most Obedient
Robt Fulton
RC (DNA: RG 45, Misc. Letters Received).
1. On 16 July 1813, Hugh Nelson of the House Committee on the Naval Establishment introduced a bill “supplementary to the act, entitled ‘An act to encourage the destruction of the armed vessels of war of the enemy,’ passed the third of March, 1813.” The Daily National Intelligencer of 17 July 1813 reported that the bill appropriated $3,000 to carry out its objects, but on 20 July 1813 the New York National Advocate, which Fulton may have read, put the figure at $30,000. Nelson’s bill was read twice and committed, but no further action on it was taken (, 13th Cong., 1st sess., 446–47). For the act of 3 Mar. 1813, see Fulton to JM, 18 Mar. 1813, and n. 2.