Augusta, Georgia, September 26, 1790
Sir,--I make no doubt but you have often heard of my steamboat, and as often heard it laughed at, but in this I have only shared the fate of other projectors, for it has uniformly been the custom of every country to ridicule the greatest inventions until they had proved their utility. In not reducing my scheme to active use it has been unfortunate for me, I confess, and perhaps the people in general; but, until very lately, I did not think that artists or material could be had in the place sufficient. However, necessity, that grand mother of invention, has furnished me with an idea of perfecting my plan almost entirely of wooden material, and by such workmen as may be had here; and, from a thorough confidence of its success, I have presumed to ask your assistance and patronage. Should it succeed agreeably to my expectations, I hope I shall discover that send of duty which such favors always merit; and should it not succeed, your reward must lay with other unlucky adventures.
For me to mention all of the advantages arising from such a machine would be tedious, and, indeed, quite unnecessary. Therefore I have taken the liberty to state, in this plain and humble manner, my wish and opinion, which I hope you will excuse, and I shall remain, either with or without your approbation, Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,
William Longstreet
Governor Telfair.
Source: From Manassas to Appomattox
Commentary
Robert Fulton, widely known as the inventor of the steamboat, was not the first to work with the idea of a steam propelled water craft. William Longstreet, James Longstreet's grandfather, first applied the principle to a craft he sent down the Savannah River in 1787. He spent much of his life in an attempt to gain financial backing to develop the idea, but was unsuccessful. Following is a letter he sent to the governnor of Georgia seeking assistance.