Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-10-17
REEIINENCES


OF FULToN's FIRST STEAM VOYAGE AND THE
RECEPTION OF HIS FIRST PASSAGE MONEY.
Some twenty years since, formed a tIavel-
ling acquaintance. upon steamboat on the Hud-
son River, with gentleman, who, on that &C
caslon, related to me some incidents Of the first
voyage of Fulton, to Albany, in his steamboat,
the Caremoni, which have never met else
where The gentleman's name have lost but
urged him at the time, to publish what he re
lated; which, however, SO far as know, he has
never dure.
l chanced, said my narrator, to be at Albany
on business, when Fulton arrived there in his
unheard craft, Which everybody felt so much
interest in seeing. Being ready to leave and
hearing that this craft was to ,eturn to New
York, | required OIL board, and inquired for Mr..
Fulton. was referred TO the cabin, and there
found plain, gentlemaniy man, wholly alone,
and engaged in writing.
Mr.. Fulton, 1 presume.
Yes, sir.
Do you return to New York with this boat;
| We shall try to get back, sir.
Can have passage down?
You can take your chance with us, sir.
inquired the amount to be paid, and after
moments hesitation, sum, think six dollars,
was named. The amount, in coin, laid in hls
open hand, and with an eye fixed upon it he re-
mained SO long motIonless that supposed there
might be miscount, and said to him, is that
right, sir This reused him as from kind Of
revery, and as he looked up at me, the big tear
was brimming in his eye, and his voice faltered
Os he said, excuse me, sir; but memory was
busy as contemplated this, the first pecuniary
reward have ever received for all my exertiop
in adapting steam to navigation. would gladly
commemorate the occasion over bottle of wine
with you, but really am too poor. even forthat
just now; yet trust we may meet again, when
this will not be so.
Some four years after this, when the Cernont
had been greatly improved, and two new boats
made, making Futon's feet three boats regular
took passage in one of these for the latter city.
The cabin, in that day, was below and as
walked its Length to and fro. I saw | was very
closely observed by one supposed stranger
Soon, however, | recalled the features of Mr.
Fulton; but without disclosing this, | continued
my walk and waited the result. At length in
passing bis seat our eyes met, when he sprang tc
his seat and eagerly sei1ing my hand, exclaim
ed, knew it must be you, for your features
have never escaped me; and although ON still
far from rich, yet may venture that bottle, now
It was ordered and during its discussion Mr.. f
ran rapidly but vivldy over his experience of the
worlds GOODNESS, and sneers and of the hopes
fears, dsoppoin'ments and difficulties, that wer,
scattered through his whole career of discover,
up to the very pon; Of his final, crowning tri
umph, at which he so fully felt he had at las
arrived. And in reviewing all these, SAID he,
have again and again recalled the occasion an
the incident of our first interview at Albany an
never have done so without its renewing in m
mind the vivid emotion it originally causet
That seemed, and still does seem, to me til
turning point Of my desiny--the aividing line
between light and darkness, in my career, upo
earth for it was the first actual recognition
my usefulness to my fellow men.
Such then were the events coupled with tn
very dawn of steam nevigatl"n-a dawn so re
cent as to be still recolIecled by many. and sue
as Fulton there related them, were the early AZ
precautions, by the world, of discovery whic
has invaded all waters causing a revolution
navigation which has almost literally brougl
the very ends of the earth in contact-CoTs!
pondent Buff Commercial.