Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-12-29

"When," said Mr.. Fulton. 81 was building
my first steamboat at New York, the project was
viewed BY the public either with indifference or
contempt, as a visionary scheme. Ny friends,
indeed were civil, but they were smy. They
listened with patience to my explanations, but
with settled cast of incredibly OH their cum
tenances. felt the full force Of the laInentaton
Of the poet,
Truths would you teach to save sinking land.
Al! fear, none aid you, and few understand"
As had occa. ion 10 pass daily to and from the
bulidng-yard, while my boat was in progress,
have often loitered, unknown, near the idle
groups of strangers, gathered in little circles,
aud heard various inquiries as to the object OF
this new vehicle. The language was uniform
~ that Of scorn, or sneer, or ridicule. The loud
lacgi, often rose at my expense the dry jest;
the " Use calcu alton Of the Fu,on folly. Never
Id a single encouraging remark, bright hope,
o. n warm wish, cross my path. Silence itself
was but poltene-s, yelling lis doubts, or hiding
its rrprunciles. At length the day arrived when
tie experiment was to BIZ put in operation. To
me il was most trying and interesting occa.
s.on. invited my friends to &, on 6"ard To
witness Vi, first successful trip. Many o! them
did me the favor to attend, as n mater uf person-
al res, eci; Out il was manifest. that they did it
with reluc'a ncp, f.aring to be partners Of my
modification, and not ut my triumph. wa
well aware, tat in my case there was many
reasons to doubt IT my own success. The ma.
ctin-ry was new and III made; many parts 0
it we're constructed by mechanics unaccustom
ed TO such work and unexpected difficulties
might reasonably be presumed to present them.
selves from other causes. The moment arrivec
in Which the VOID was to be given for the vessel
t, move. NJ hiends were in groups on the
deck. There was anxiety mixed with fea'
among them. They were silent, and sad, and
weary. read in their looks nothing but dsa-.
ter, and almost repenied Of my efforts. The sig
nal was given, The boat moved a small distance
and stopped, and became immovable. To thu
silence of the preceding moment now succeeded
murmurs of discomfort, aud agitations and wills
pers, and shrugs. could hear distinctly re-.
peaied, i told you it would be so-it 10 fool.
ish scheme Il wish we were we'll out Of IT,
elevated myself upon platform and addressed
the assembly. ! stated that ! knew MT what
WAS the matter; but II they would be quiet, and
indulge me for half an hour, would either e.
| on, or abandon the voyage Tor that time. This
short respite WAS conceded without objection
! went below, examined the machinery, and dis
covered that the cause was a slight misadust
ment Of some of the work. In short period
it was obviated. The boat was put again in mo
tinn. She continued to move on. All were
still incredulous. None seemed willing Il
trust the evidence of their own senses. w,
left the fair city If New York; we passed through
the romantic and ever-varying scenery Of tn,
highlands; we deserted the clustering house
Of Albany we reached its shores; and then
even them when all seemed achieved. was tn
victim Of disappointment. I'm 'gination super
seeded the influence of fact. 1t was then duub,
ed, il il could he done again or, If done,
was doubted il i, could DO made Of any great val
lue."
Such was the history Of the first experiment
as il fell, not in the very language which
have used, but in its substance. from the lips q
the inventor. He did not live indeed to enj y III
full glory Of his invention. 1t is mournful
say, that attempts were made to rob him in tn
first place Of the merits Of his invention, an
next o. its fruits. He fell victim IN his effort
Ito sustain his title 10 both. When already hi
Invention had covered the waters OF the Hudson
he seemed little satisfied with the results, AL
looked forward to more extensive operations
4" Nv ultimate triumph" he used to say, wi
be on the Mississippi ] knew, indeed, III
even now il Is deemed imposib.e BY many, lii
the difficulties Of is navigation can DO owe
come. BIT am confident Of success. ] ma
no, live to see il but the Mississippi will y
be covered bv steamboats, and thus an emil
change be wrought in the course OF the intern
navigation and commerce of our country.
Norih American Rerier.