Experiment made & Opinion of the Spanish Minister—Again Coaxes to have
Vertical Wheels tried.
Second River, _Oct. 21st, 1798_.
Dear Sir,
I dropped you a line in haste on Friday last, since which I received
your favour of the 10th: the person to whom you gave it in charge did
not put it in the post office until yesterday. Your instructions
therefore came too late for the rims, as they had by your former
request been left off and no bad consequence has resulted. I have not
yet seen Mr. Stevens, but have been expecting him every day, as he
requested me by letter to inform him what time we would be ready,
which I did. Had I received your letter sooner I would also have sent
to see if Mr. Mouchet was still at N. Ark & requested him to come up.
There was no occasion to try the wheels from 5 Inches upwards, as I
found the Engine overloaded at 5. I think at present the most
advisable mode of proceeding for us will be to change the wheels on
shaft and spindle so as to give the Engine her full speed with 50
revolutions of the lower wheels, and if she will carry more, then
increase the width of the paddles. I have ordered a pattern made for
two wheels accordingly and will cast them the first casting we make
after it is finished. Please to write me if you agree in this respect.
The Spanish Minister was on board the day we made the last experiment
and was perfectly well pleased with the operation of the Engine and
will give us an order for one of 36 Inches. This will cost him upwards
of 13,000 Dolls: Our small one is not equal to the purposes for which
he wants his. During our sail he, at the time the tide and wind
favoured us, supposed we went at the rate of 6 miles an hour; but I
think the delight he felt expressed at the novelty of the Voyage was
the cause of his mistake. My report to you was three miles, still
water, which I have reason to believe was accurate. I have at present
a better opinion of your plan than ever, and could wish them to be
contrasted with paddles upon Mr. Stevens’ plan, OR WHEELS OVER THE
SIDES, so as fairly to ascertain the difference of the application of
the power. We have by the last experiment a striking proof in favor of
your plan which is demonstrated by the diminution in width and slow
motion of the wheels. At our last experiment the effect was certainly
greater than we could have promised ourselves.
I hope to hear from you soon, and in the meanwhile will do what
strikes me as reasonable upon our present plan so that no time is
lost.
Mrs. Mark requests me to thank you for your polite invitation of
visiting Mrs. Livingston, but does not think it will be in her power
this fall, as Mr. Mark is at present too much occupied with business
to leave home.
Yours respectfully,
N. J. ROOSEVELT.
This letter is complim’y to Livingston—about his plan of wheel—but still
Roosevelt mentions that it would be prudent to try in contrast _Stevens’
paddles_—(& his _own_ plan) wheels _over the sides_. (Note by Judge
Griffith.)