My Lord when I was Invited to this country I was led to believe that every reasonable attention would be paid to my demonstrations propositions and claims. I was therefore disposed from the first to do everything in the most liberal and open manner. I have uniformly acted on this principle And I have hoped for equal attention and liberality from each of His Majestys ministers with whome I may have to act. My Lord mine is no common Case; Tis my Sincere wish and the real interest of this government which I will hereafter explain that everything relative to this business may be setteled in the most friendly manner hoping to have the pleasure of arranging with your Lordship on this principle I have the honor to be your Lordships most obedient and Very humble Servant ROBT FULTON The Right Honble Lord Grenville From the above it appears that his previous requests to Lords Howick and Grenville for the appointing of arbitrators had met with a generally favorable response. But sometimes diplomats agree “in principle” and then avoid arriving at a settlement of such inconvenient things as defined details. There still remained much letter writing, threats and begging before the arbitrators were actually named, during which time Fulton came very near giving public proof that he had lost his temper. More than three weeks after Lord Howick had informed Fulton that he had decided to submit the contract to arbitration, nothing had been done as shown by the following letter to Lord Grenville’s secretary: London June the 6th Ibbotsons Hotel Vere Street Oxford Road Mr. King Sir Yesterday Lord Howick informed me that Lord Grenville had mentioned to him two or three persons whome he thought fit arbitrators. I beg you will speak to his Lordship to decide on two as soon as possible which decision becomes urgent in consequence of my being under the necessity of sailing for America About the 10th of July— That this business may proceed with the least possible delay, and trouble to Ministers I Conceive the best mode will be to name one person first who with my friend Mr. Davison or Mr. McArthur will [first] arrange the terms of the Arbitration bond: then they being arbitrators [proceed] associated to two others [Can proceed] can proceed to the examination of the Machinery the principles of application and a decision on the contract. I beg Sir to hear from you on this Subject as Soon as possible I am etc R FULTON On June 17th he again writes to Mr. King: Ibbotsons Hotel June the 17th 1806 Sir