1To 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...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...