Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-07-22
The Berkely Springs.

inc Bef KEY Spflne5s
In copying from the Nor TorE Horl&, on
our 6rst page. the e,opLi, sal truly interest
ing description Of Tits renowned watering
place by Miss Gruudy," Miss Sueadl we
emitted a few paragraphs relating to James
Rumscys Steamboat experiments on the Po-
t,oac. Referring to he scautiucss Of the ac-
coamcdaticus at TIE Springs in 1854 thc
writer says;
Gradually came changes for the better as
uis notice gives evidence;
rFO THE PUBLIC.
WAHv SrRrVGs AT Barn.
is BErErtEY C0rNlY, Va, June is, list
James Rumscv ard Robert ThrockInorton pro-
nos. orcuiur a very commujious boarding house
ior Tie residence OF ladies and gentlemen who
may honor tho Bath at The sign Of the Liberty
Pole and Flag. Every possible attention viii De
psid % render the situation OF those who honor
them with their commands perfectly agreeable.
This same James Rumsoy belongs to the
houorcj list Of American inventive geniuscs.
Sir Johns Run .so-callod in honor Of Captain
Sir John Sinclair, Chief-quartcrmaster Of
Braddock S army, who with Braddock and his
men. in 1850, passed through this section
within q few miles Of these springs on their
i,l-iatcd journey against Fort DuqVcsnel was
distinguished by being selected for the first
trial Of an experiment whose results have been
among the most stUpcnd0us 10 their effect up
on civilization Of any following a scientific dis
covery even in cur age Of wonders. In Short
James RUmsey was before Fulton in coucoiy-
Ing The brilliant idea Of using steam as mo-
tive power for The PropeIliug Of boats and his
crude model was FIRST shown to a select conf
pauy of visitors to Berkeley Springs in the
year 1854, at the then secluded point where
Sir Johns Run emptcs into the Potomac
Tradition aud written record support the as
sortion that on little harbor at the mouth Of
Sir Johns Run Tie first steamboat was moor
Cd upon American waters. So highly jii
Rumsey rate his discovery that lie jealously
guarded his secret, and having proved to bis
small land select company Of spectators that
it was Of great value, appears 20 have sworn
them all TO secresy, for The certificate as to its
probable Importance given him by General
Washington, and meant for tho public, is
most carefully worJcJ, and avoids the use Of
the word steam. Here it is:
ILayc seen the model Of Mr.. Rumseys boat
constructed 20 work against the stream; ex-
amired the powers upon which il acts; been
eyewitness 90 an actual experiment In run
ming waters Of some upijity, and give it rs
my opinion although hal little faith before
that tie has discovered tie art Of working
boats by mechanism and small manual assist
aucc lgliUst rapid currents; that the discovery
is of vast Importance may lie of tie greatest
usefulness In Our inland navigation; and if 10
succeeds. Of which have no doubt, that the
value Of it is greatly enhanced 10y the simpiic-
ity of the work which when explained may be
executed by Tie most common mechanic.
Given under my hand and seal In the town
&C Bath, County Of Berkeley, in the State Of
Virginia, this 9Th Of September, 1854.
GEORGE WA>uINCToS.
Ater this Rumsey gave more public OK
MGton on the river at Shepberls,own, and
afterwards encouraged by lis success sailed
Gr England after destroying his precious
model, where he hoped under more liberal
and enlightened patronage 20 perfect his work
ard realize both fame and fortune But he
was doomed 70 disappointment, hralcr long
struggle he died before he had completed
new model and satisfactorily demonstrated its
powers. Several manuscript letters written
by EUmsey while in London, which were mn
I'll q few years ago in tic possession Of a gen
temon Of MY acquaintance, make mention Of
there meeting and receiving frequent visits
frcm q young American studying engineering,
and &C the sympathetic and intelligent inter-
est this young man showed in his ab1rs.-
This was Robert Fulton, Who nineteen years
after Eumscy's death gave lie weird sue
ccssIul steamboat
just here We nay note fact, more than
once stated to cur readers, that Mr.. Eumscy
made an experiment on The Potomac az Sbep-
lerlst5wn with g, small steamboat, the boiler
Cfvlich was 10 possession Of Hon. Alcxr L
Bctclcr mp 90 ;io time No which the the Naul-
ais bur, IFS dwelling and its contents. Poor
Rumsey died in London, Of heart disease
whilst delivering q lecture ON the practicable
ty Of rr1pe.us vessels by steam. some
years ago. Mr.. Eumsey, " kentucky, wli'sta
member Of Congress- embodied in speech
some striking facts 10 prove the claim of his
uncle 90 the honor Of priority in the Use Of
steam os @ motive power fcr boats.
r,o nrorv1aDd F5itors, Association