1To James Madison from John Fitch, 11 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I was with Mr. Thompson the other day who informed me that he should report my petition ought to be committed but that he did not think that Congress would at this time do any thing in it. I beg leave Sir to enclose you some further observations on it praying not only your patronage but also that you will forgive the freedom taken by your ever Faithful Humble Servant RC ( DLC ). Docketed by...
2To James Madison from John Fitch, 25 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to make you acquainted with a late proposition I made to the Committee of Congress, which was founded on the following Certificate, by a Gentleman inhabitant of the Natchies—A Coppy. The most common custom of Navigating up the River Mississippi from the City of New Orleans to the Illinois are as followeth Viz— They commonly employ one man to every ton on Board, their wages for the...
3To James Madison from John Fitch, 2 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I flatter myself you will excuse the freedom I take in requesting your Patronage before the Congress of the united States respecting my claims to the Invention of Steam-boats, as far as you shall deem me worthy, when you consider that through that honorable Body only I can receive an exclusive Right or Title to the Enjoyment of my Labor, and that in whatever manner I may profit by the project,...
4To James Madison from John Fitch, 10 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
My situation at present is tremendously allarming, it would be much less so, if I knew that I should sicken and die, than for me to return and inform the Company I must be dependant on them for my sustinance, so Vile a way of living, I heartily dispise. And was I under no obligations to any one, I would not solicit Courts for favours, was my claims ever so just, did I think it would be granted...