Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-11-21


Iobserve III the National iafeGigeacer some
hlrhly intefcsttngf.,Cts relative to James Ran
seq, TO whomls justly attributed the invention
of tie steamboat. | cannot sufficiently ex-
press my advertisements, thatSe great a man as
Mr. RunSey--a man, who, by his mechanical
researches, S!gnalized the period in which he H.
we'd should be so little known. Byreferling to
any british or American MAGAZINE of lifetime in
winch he lived IN England, youmay find salts
factory accounts ofa.lhs operations relative to
the steam boat.
have the honour OF being acquainted with
dauehteToi Mr.. RumseV, who now resides near
,Sowing-GreeB, kentucky. She is woman of
extraordinary accomplishments and has inhe-
rltel The genius and the virtues OF her father
she has observation-disclosures of Mr.. Rumseyaud
a great number OtlctterS written TO her bv him
some of which | haye read. Doctor Runlsey, OF
kentucky, is also brother of James Runisey.
ana j. now living. lie pOssesseseycry document
necessary to give us information COnce rn:nr this
negiectcdaud injured philosopher. and rs there
is not notwithstanding subject OF biography,
earnestly recommend the editor oftile Port Fo-.
ITO to obtain the necessary materials, by apply
ing TO DIR. Rumsey, or Mrs. Skiles, OF kentuc-
KY.
rectiy stated III the Intelige.icSr have seen
letters addressed to Mrs. Skies, his daughter,
upon the subject of his DEATH by some of the
hrSt menm England. read letter ofNIr r.
inWnchh he gives circumStantiai account of the
steam-yeSsel, which he constructed in England
1t is precisely as is stated in the etterin Tie \
intelhgencer am informed that there wasa
society formed in Philadelphia, called the
humseyan Society, which, soon after Mr. RS
death, determined to publish his life. 1t is re-
nlarkable, that the steam-mis, which he con-
structed in England have not been heard of
by every one! Its remarkable, that it is not
universally known, that Mr.. II. was sent for from
ireland to England, 20 superintend the con-
structlon OF canal, which he executed to the
establishment of his employers II is astonish-
ing beyond measure, that it is not universally
known, Mr. Rumsey constructed steam
boat in England There is letter in the Port
toiio addressed by celebrated mechanist to
DIR: Mitchell, concerning Mr. Eumsey, in which
ne illustrates the superiority OF MIR. RS. steam
is interested on this important subject. would
be pleased withits perusai. The heirs of Mr.
IL. have TO this day totally neglected his affairs
III England, although il is probable they are
entitled to considerable estate there. The
papers in possession of Mrs. S<ileS; the infor-
nation which may be obtained from periodical
publications, and the likeness of Mr.. Rumsey
are easily obtained, and l must repeat my
wish, that the Editor OF. the Portfolio would
obtain them, and furnish the public with the BIZ
Ography of their illustriOus, but neglected and
forgotten cOuntryman.
Until visited this country, Inever heard Mr..
RS. title 20 the invention of the boat
questioned but. at the same time, | NAV OBJ
serve, that had seen but few persons who
knew any thing about ii. As the subject isnow
agitated, hope, for the honour of Mr. RS me-
mOry, ana OF our country, it will be thorough
" investigated. AS TO the application OF Mr.
Rumsey for patent to the Legislature of Viz
eiTia, there is no doubt but it was for the
Steamboat, or something as good, from the We
ry words of tue petition 1t was 10 he pr0peI-
TED 90 miles up strong current, loaded with ten
tons IL, one day and worked by only hands
But, living witnesses are not wanting to prove
the fact DR.. kumsey, who is Il man of science
aud reputation i'll Kentucky, can give every in
formation on the subject and no doubt has
In a. &c to t.,.fa fol
| cannot conclude, without expressing my
admiration of that genius, which so long ago
and at the very birth of his sublime invent
on, conceived the idea and formed the resoiuti-
on decreasing the Atlantic, in Is days, without
saiIs-( See his letter. Even now, in the per-
tection Of the invention, the wonder OF america
has been excited by those whowere lately n
bout To accomplish tiat daring and novel en-
terPIize. IT is now seen, that the steam-fri-
gate was thought Of before three or four years
ago, and that the British formed the resolution
of employing Mr.. RS. steanl-yessels against
France.