Robert Fulton and the SubmarineParsons, William Barclay
History
Robert Fulton and the Submarine
Parsons, William Barclay
Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815; Submarines (Ships)
The duties of new office probably occupied Mr. Grey’s time to the
exclusion of coming to a settlement with Fulton. At any rate the latter
writes again:
March the 17th 1806
Mr. Gray
Sir
After the Various changes of Ministers and Measures which have kept me
in this country for near two years and the time fast approaching when
I must Absolutely sail for America you will excuse me for Urging that
my arrangements with this government may be finally Setteled. In the
copies of my letters to Mr. Pitt which I had the honor to present you
my Ideas of the powers and Consequences of Submarine navigation and
Attack are fully explained and without disguise the question therefore
between government and me appears to be Simply this: have I proved
Sufficient to merit the 40,000 mentioned in the contract? If there be
Still doubts on this point it is Stipulated to be setteled by
arbitration this is Justice founded on the contract, but added to
this: Is it not the Interest of government to finally settle with me
and then use my mode of attack as they think proper? I beg you will
have the goodness to mention an early hour when we may have a
conversation on this subject and fix a plan for a just honorable and
prompt Settlement, let it be morning or evening or any period most
convenient to you when there may be suffeceent time for ample
Explanations.
I am &
R FULTON,
Fulton’s impatience always inclined him to correspond simultaneously
with more than one official, and particularly so if thereby he could
reach one higher in authority. Although his negotiations begun through
Lord Howick were apparently proceeding satisfactorily, he forestalled a
submission by the latter to Lord Grenville by writing to the latter
himself. As this letter gives a review of Fulton’s claims and forms the
basis for arbitrators who were subsequently appointed, it is of peculiar
interest.
CHAPTER IX
FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE
Demand for arbitrators. Further correspondence with Lords
Grenville and Howick.
London May the 5th 1806
To the Right Honorable
Lord Grenville
My Lord
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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