cling to the Ideas of forefathers, or established customs are only to be convinced by demonstrations which enter at the Eyes. But if in this case the marine of England must be destroyed to convince the Vulgar of the possibility it will then be too late to reason on the consequences. It is to avoid being driven to so dreadful a proof of the power of my engines that I now take the liberty of calling the attention of your Lordship to this Subject, Of the principles of the Engines I have deposited twelve drawings with descriptions of facts and reasonings on them in the hands of Mr. King who I believe has committed them to the care of Alexander Davison Esq^r. In St. Jameses square which drawings and writings were made for arbitrators who had to decide on my claims under a contract made with Mr. Pitt and Lord Melville. Of the Arbitrators two Mr. Davison and Dr. Cartwright are of opinion that all military marines may be destroyed by the means which I have Exhibited, how far Sir Charles Blagden and Capt. Hamilton may be of that opinion I cannot tell but resting on their own judgement they never heared evidence nor called for the opinion of nautical men, on the several modes of using the machines, hence Ministers are Still in the dark as to what may be the power Practicability and consequence of such engines. Now my Lord his Majesty’s Ministers cannot do Justice to the public nor guard their own honor untill they enter into a full examination of my system and take the opinion of many nautical men on the means by which such engines may be used for out of the opinion of the many a right thinking may arise. I would therefore propose a meeting of His Majesty’s Ministers, Your Lordship, Lord Moira, Lord Henry petty, Lord Howick, Lord Erskine, Mr. Fox if his health will permit and Mr. Windham, or any other Gentleman whome it may be thought right to call in, And that before them the opinions shall be taken of Lord Kieth, Admiral Demet, Sir Even Nepene, Commodor Owen, Capt. Seccombe, Capt. Salt, Capt. Thos. Johnson of the nile Cutter, and Lieutenant Wm. Robinson—or such other persons as have seen the experiments and know most of the engines. But should this mode be inconvenient a Committe of 12 Nautical men to examine and report on the plans which I have exhibited, by such means & such only Ministers can do Justice to the public and get a clear understanding of this subject And at Such committee if thought proper I will attend and explain my several modes of attack which will give gentlemen an opportunity to see what means they can devise to prevent your commerce being distressed and your marine by such engines were they in the hands of an enemy and practiced by them against this country, There are many powerful reasons why such investigation Should be entered into. _First._