I did however Zealously attempt to be of Service, I have proved that Infinate good or Injury may be done. I have written to Lord Barham two letters without receiving any Answer. I can easy conceive he has not had time to consider the position in which I Stand nor my Invention in all its consequences and might not think An Answer of any importance, However it is time that he Should See it in all its consequences and Judge of the propriety of a fair and honorable arrangement with me, Although Sir you will be overwhelmed with business on your coming to Town yet I hope you will not let this escape your memory I have the honor to be your most Obedient and Very humble servant ROBERT FRANCIS The Right Honbl William Pitt Bath The letter to Lord Castlereagh is in the best form of any of Fulton’s communications to the government in spite of the thinly veiled suggestion of a threat in the closing lines, but Lord Castlereagh must have been amused to learn that the foreign inventor, then without fame or position, was “perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Lord Melville, Mr. Pitt and your Lordship.” He, whose conduct was approved and from whose decision Fulton practically appealed in advance without time being given to render it, was a most important character in British politics at that time. Lord Castlereagh lived between 1769 and 1822. He was the son of the Earl of Londonderry, and as his father was still living during the period under consideration, the son was known by the courtesy title of Viscount Castlereagh. Instrumental in securing the union with Ireland he forfeited the King’s support by urging emancipation for Roman Catholics, and to such an extent that the resignation of the Pitt government was forced. Castlereagh accepted a position in the new cabinet and on Pitt’s return to power in May, 1804, continued in office, and in 1805 became Secretary for War. It was to that official, therefore, that Fulton wrote the above letters. On the 23rd of January, 1806, Pitt died and was succeeded in office by Lord Grenville. This necessitated new approaches by Fulton. Charles Grey became First Lord of the Admiralty in the ministry then formed. His father, Sir Charles Grey of Howick, had served as a British General in America during the revolution and was raised to the peerage as Lord Grey of Howick in 1801. In April, 1806, he was created Earl Grey, when his son adopted the courtesy title of Lord Howick. Fulton’s letters, therefore, to Mr. Gray (misspelled for Grey) and to Lord Howick are to the same person. During February, Fulton recommenced his efforts for a settlement by writing Mr. Grey. At the same time he enclosed copies of letters previously sent to Mr. Pitt, assuming that Mr. Grey, being new to the office, it was necessary to acquaint him with what had gone before.