Now My Lord permit me to give you my opinion It has been proved by the most satisfactory experiments, that were an Enemy in possession of all the means which I exhibited to the Arbitrators they could at any time in two months embarrass the commerce of England in the most distressing degree, Or should they think proper to persevere in the practice of such Engines they could destroy the whole British Marine And I thing it cannot be doubted that The french Emperor whose most ardent wish is to get freedom for his commerce would practice such engines were he acquainted with them, knew the modes of using them and the immense advantages they would give him, That he has not such a Knowledge is in some degree proved by his not making any move in the manufacture, practice or use of them,—For although I made some experiments in france they were always thought more curious than useful and the French never were impressed with the Idea that any advantage could be drawn from what I had done, which opinion prevails in this country at present, The feilure at Boulogne has also spread the Idea that the engines are harmless, but the want of success at Boulogne was in consequence of not having experience, and no defect in the principles of the Engines, hence under these impressions in france and England I believe these inventions may lie silent for many years— From this I infer that it rests with me and my friends in America whether these inventions shall sleep or or be rendered fameliar to all nations, of this Gentlemen can Judge on investigation When I was invited to this country a prospect of emolument was held out to me in some degree proportioned to the Value of my engines but in consequence of Lord Melville going out of office, The death of Mr. Pitt the change of Ministers and opinions on this subject the agreement with me has not been fulfilled. Therefore My Lord after Seven Years Labour, Experience Expence and Successful experiment It is reasonable and right that I should convert my inventions to my own use in every honorable way, your Lordship or any other man in my situation would act in like manner, And it is right now to assure your Lordship that I never will Suffer these inventions to rest till I Succeed; But as I have no desire to introduce these inventions Into practice unless my country should have need of them and which I hope will not be necessary as long as England and America understand the true interest of their commerce I still offer my neutrality to this government on Condition that Ministers will meet the Ideas held out to me on coming to England,