302 An IMrROVEMENT in BOATS, S:c. 



the length are retained — by being divided and conne(3:ed 

 by hinges, each part may rife or fall confiderably without 

 affedting the rell, and can yield to the preflure of any ex- 

 traneous body without endangering the fifety of any part. 

 If you think the communication of the ideas contained 

 in this letter will in the leaft contribute to the advantage 

 of thofe concerned in the internal navigations of America, 

 it will be an additional motive with me to profecute the 

 fubjedt ; and in a little time I may be able to give you 

 drawings of a fimple tnachine for fetting boats up againft 

 the ftream, without the violent exertions now required, 

 and which at the fame time will prevent them from mak- 

 ing ftern way. 



NICHOLAS KING. 



Mr. Robert Patterson, 



Philadelphia^ 



General 



